Media Alert: Meet one of Australia's most interactive robots

An artificially intelligent robot based at the University of Western Sydney that can interact with humans in a variety of unique and playful ways will make its official premiere at an international arts conference in central Sydney on Tuesday the 15th of June.

The Articulated Head is one of Australia's most interactive robots, and comprises of an LCD screen mounted on an industrial arm surrounded by a variety of cameras, speakers and microphones.

It draws on new technologies in robotics, sensors and computer engineering to communicate with people.

World renowned performance artist and UWS Senior Research Fellow Stelarc has partnered with the UWS MARCS Auditory Laboratories in the development of the system, and will be present at the conference to discuss the machine.

"The interactivity of bodies and machines through performance has always been intriguing, and I'm pleased with the advances we've made in this field through the Articulated Head," says Stelarc.

"The Articulated Head can now mimic the expressions of people who interact with it, and so better relates to the human user."
Research Engineer at UWS MARCS Auditory Laboratories, Dr Damith Herath, says the robot is driving research towards machines that will one day be able to interact and assist elderly people and autistic children.

"It's possible that this robot will evolve into, for example, an intelligent wheelchair that can guide elderly people as they go about their day to day business."

Stelarc, Associate Professor Kate Stevens from MARCS and the Articulated Head's engineering team will be present at the New Interface for Musical Expression conference.

WHAT: Picture opportunity with the Articulated Head and Stelarc.
WHEN: Tuesday the 15th of June, 10.30am.
WHERE: UTS Building 10, Jones Street Ultimo.

Provided by University of Western Sydney