Technology 3 min read

Meet Ai-Da: The World's First Ultra-Realistic Robot Artist

Engineered Arts specialist Mike Humphrey working on a rubberized head of the worlds first robot artist Ai-Da | Image courtesy of REUTERS/Matthew Stocks

Engineered Arts specialist Mike Humphrey working on a rubberized head of the worlds first robot artist Ai-Da | Image courtesy of REUTERS/Matthew Stocks

There is no doubt that the recent developments robotics are among the most significant innovations of this generation. As more industries adopt automation, robot technology is now more in demand.

From providing health care assistance, welcoming store customers, and delivering goods, further development of AI-powered robots continues to revolutionize our modern day living.

While it’s already proven that robots can function as workers and do menial tasks, there’s one boggling question that people are asking: can robots be creative?

British art gallery owner and curator Aidan Meller is hoping to answer that question by introducing Ai-Da, the world’s first ultra-realistic robot artist.

Read More: Scientists Create A Self-Aware Robot That Can Repair Itself

The Robot Artist

At the moment, Meller is monitoring the final phase of Ai-Da’s development at Cornwall. He named the AI-powered robot after the Countess of Lovelace, Ada King or Ada Lovelace.

Lovelace is widely known as the first computer programmer and for her contribution to Charles Babbage‘s analytical engine.

According to Meller, he wants Ai-Da to perform like “her” human equivalents. Ai-Da can already draw people from sight using pencil and her bionic hand.

“She’s going to actually be drawing, and we’re hoping to then build technology for her to paint,” Meller said.

“But also as a performance artist, she’ll be able to engage with audiences and actually get messages across; asking those questions about technology today.”

Meller will hold Ai-Da’s inaugural exhibition titled “Unsecured Features” on May 9th to May 31st at the Lady Margareth Hall and St. John’s College, University of Oxford, and the Aidan Meller Gallery.

The exhibition will showcase the robot artist’s drawings and performance art, with one made as a homage to Yoko Ono‘s Cut Piece.

Life-like Movements and Expressions

The Cornwall engineers working on Ai-Da said that “she” will have a RoboThespian body and will be able to do expressive movements as well as talk and answer questions.

Ai-Da’s eyeballs can reportedly recognize human features. She can make eye contact and follow a person’s every movement while opening and closing her mouth. If a person moved closer to Ai-Da, she’ll immediately back away while blinking her eyes in an expression of shock.

Robot artist Ai-Da | Image courtesy of Guy Bell

“There’s AI (artificial intelligence) running in the computer vision that allows the robot to track faces to recognize facial features and to mimic your expression,” Marcus Hold, Design & Production Engineer at Cornwall’s Engineered Arts, said.

Using Mesmer life-like robot technology for her head, Ai-Da will soon have a mixed-race appearance with silicone skin, 3D-printed teeth and gums, and long dark flowing hair.

“(Mesmer) brings together the development of software mechanics and electronics to produce a lifelike face with lifelike gestures in a small human sized package,” Hold added.

Read More: Why Do People Bully Robots?

First AI Web Content Optimization Platform Just for Writers

Found this article interesting?

Let Chelle Fuertes know how much you appreciate this article by clicking the heart icon and by sharing this article on social media.


Profile Image

Chelle Fuertes

Chelle is the Product Management Lead at INK. She's an experienced SEO professional as well as UX researcher and designer. She enjoys traveling and spending time anywhere near the sea with her family and friends.

Comments (0)
Most Recent most recent
You
107
share Scroll to top

Link Copied Successfully

Sign in

Sign in to access your personalized homepage, follow authors and topics you love, and clap for stories that matter to you.

Sign in with Google Sign in with Facebook

By using our site you agree to our privacy policy.