This robot can conduct an orchestra and actually make it sound beautiful
YuMi the robot was able to learn the movements of a professional conductor and perform in his place.
Scientists have created a robot capable of conducting an orchestra, and have tried it out in a performance featuring famous Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli – with stunning results.
In a programme of music entitled “A Breath Of Hope: From The Stradivarius To The Robot”, the YuMi dual-arm robot conducted the Lucca Philharmonic Orchestra at the Teatro Verdi, in Pisa, with a number of soloists.
The robot “learned” how to conduct the suite of pieces in two steps.
Bocelli, who sang La Donna E Mobile from Verdi’s Rigoletto with YuMi conducting the orchestra, was impressed by YuMi’s capabilities. He said: “It was so much fun to perform with YuMi, ABB’s collaborative robot. It showed that a robot could really conduct an orchestra, but only with the excellent work of very talented engineers and a real maestro.”
Conductors have no need to worry in the long term, though.
ABB, the creator of the robot, said: “It is unlikely robots will ever prove capable of combining the scholarship, artistry, technique, interpretation and charisma of a skilled human conductor.”
