In an era where technology and art increasingly intersect, “Rhythm Bots” stands out as a captivating fusion of engineering precision and artistic expression. This kinetic sculptural installation, conceived by Naomi Ehrich Leonard, the Edwin S. Wilsey Professor and Chair of of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University, invites audiences into a meditative space where rhythmically moving robots engage in a synchronized dance, creating a space for human and machine interaction.
The American Academy in Rome features “Rhythm Bots” during Galileo Week, when Leonard will deliver the Galileo Night Lecture on Monday, April 14. Her presentation will offer a deeper glimpse into the ideas behind this project, revealing how choreography, computation, and collective movement intertwine. Visitors to the Academy may engage “Rhythm Bots” in the Cryptoporticus from 5:00 to 8:00pm, April 14–16, 2025.
Leonard’s fascination with collective motion—patterns observed in flocks of birds and schools of fish—serves as the foundation for “Rhythm Bots.” Collaborating with Susan Marshall, professor and director of dance at Princeton’s Lewis Center for the Arts, and a team of students and postdoctoral researchers, the project explores how synchronized movements can foster a sense of calm and connection among participants. Leonard and Marshall’s partnership began with “Flock Logic,” a 2010 performance that applied models of animal group behavior to human movement, setting the stage for the rhythmic synchrony embodied in “Rhythm Bots.”
Sophisticated algorithms orchestrate the robots’ choreography, enabling them to coordinate with each other and respond to the presence of viewers. Equipped with machine vision, the robots adjust their movements based on the proximity and actions of the audience, creating a dynamic feedback loop. Leonard envisions the installation as an exploration at the intersection of art and engineering, aiming to create an experience that affects people in a beautiful way, akin to the soothing sensation of watching the tide ebb and flow.
“Rhythm Bots,” which debuted at Pink Noise Projects in Philadelphia in 2022, has evolved. A recent iteration was showcased at Princeton in May 2024, an expanded version that included twelve robots. The addition of light and sound elements, synchronized with the robots’ movements, enhanced the immersive experience, inviting audiences to explore the subtle interplay between human presence and robotic response. More than a mechanical ballet, “Rhythm Bots” offers an experience that resonates with the innate human desire for harmony and connection, inviting us all to find our place within the rhythm of the machines.