This AI-powered robot can play drums at superhuman speeds
Researchers at the University of Oslo have developed an innovative robot, ZRob, that can play drums at a speed beyond human capabilities. The groundbreaking invention was part of PhD candidate Mojtaba Karbasi's doctoral thesis at the RITMO Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Rhythm, Time, and Motion, University of Oslo. The robot could unlock new opportunities for musical applications and provide fresh insights for future advancements in robotics.
A blend of human-inspired design and artificial intelligence
The design of ZRob was inspired by the human ability to perform complex tasks effortlessly. Karbasi's supervisor, Professor Alexander Refsum Jensenius, emphasized that while humans can interact with their environment using multiple senses, machines still don't have that capability. To bridge this gap, Karbasi integrated a flexible grip into ZRob mimicking the human wrist, and employed artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize its movements.
Versatility and adaptability in drumming
ZRob can work alone to perform single drum stick moves or work with other units for more complex compositions. The robot's arm, which features two springs for wrist-like flexibility, is a major element that makes it so adaptable. This flexibility is important to hit a moving drumhead accurately. Karbasi said that changing the springs in different versions of ZRob changes their behavior, showing the robot's adaptability.
Unique rhythmic output and potential applications
When multiple robots play together, they can create rhythms that are beyond human capabilities. "Different physical characteristics completely shape the output. It is like a piano piece played by 40 fingers - unpredictable, and it is hard for humans to imagine how it was produced," Karbasi explained. He sees these bots as inspiration for musicians or as practice partners, not as replacements.
