The cello-playing robot performed a piece composed by Jacob Muhlrad at the Malmö Live Concert Hall in Sweden (Image Credit: malmosymfoniorkester/Instagram)
In a world-first, two industrial robotic arms played the cello with a symphony orchestra at the Malmö Live Concert Hall in Sweden. Composer and researcher Fredrik Gran programmed the arms to play “Veer (bot),” a musical score by Swedish composer Jacob Muhlrad. The cello-playing robot, featuring 3D-printed parts, didn’t use AI during the performance.
It’s challenging to develop a robot capable of playing a cello due to the complexity involved with such an instrument. The video shows the robotic arms in motion like a human performer---one holds a bow, moving it across the four strings. On the other hand, a 3D-printed appendage manipulates the fretboard, producing a well-executed sound with perfect pitch, even if it seems expressionless.
Veer (bot) is inspired by Muhlrad’s latest piano single called Veer. He improved this composition by programming a simple tune, adding a new layer to the piece.
However, the performance still falls short due to technical limitations. For instance, the appendage can’t perform vibrato, making note manipulation impossible, which means it lacks depth. It also can’t adjust finger tension, so there’s not much character involved in this performance.
This was the first time a robot performed alongside a symphony orchestra with a live audience present. Overall, the composition shows the potential of a machine playing such instruments. It also demonstrates how technology can work alongside humans for musical performances. The robot will perform in December 2024 in the United States.
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