ABB's YuMi robot looks like the industrial arms that people associate with auto factories. But if those industrial robots are blue collar workers, then YuMi is those bots' sensitive, soulful, artistic cousin. The robot recently became the first dual-arm robot to fully collaborate with a group of humans, guiding the Lucca Symphony Orchestra and famous opera vocalist Andrea Bocelli in a rendition of Verdi's popular 'La Donna e Mobile' from 'Rigoletto.'
To conduct a symphony, ABB's YuMi robot rehearsed and trained with the Lucca Symphony Orchestra's human maestro, Andrea Colombini. With the help of a team of engineers, YuMi recorded the precise movements of Maestro Colombini as he conducted the orchestra, and it then mimicked those movements with its articulated arms.
Orchestral Robotic Arms
ABB's YuMi was Maestro for Andrea Bocelli and the Lucca Symphony Orchestra
Trend Themes
1. Collaborative Robotics - Opportunities for robotic arms to work together with humans in creative and artistic applications like conducting symphonies.
2. Robotic Training and Mimicry - Advancements in training robots to mimic the precise movements of human experts, allowing them to perform complex tasks in various industries.
3. Integration of Robotics in Entertainment - The use of robots in entertainment settings to create unique and innovative performances, blurring the lines between man and machine.
Industry Implications
1. Manufacturing - Disruptive innovation opportunities in utilizing collaborative robots alongside human workers to improve efficiency and productivity in factory settings.
2. Performing Arts - Exploring the potential of integrating robotic technology in orchestras and theaters to enhance performances and push the boundaries of creativity.
3. Training and Education - Applying robotic training and mimicry techniques in educational settings to teach complex skills and allow students to learn from expert-level demonstrations.