Long-Term, Store-Front Robotics: Interactive Music for Robotic Arm, Caxixi and Frame Drums
Richard Savery, Fouad Sukkar
TL;DR
This paper investigates bringing interactive robotic musicianship into a commercial retail setting through a three-week in-store installation. It combines a UR3 cobot arm, actuated frame drums, and an adaptive music-generation pipeline that responds to ambient store sound to enrich the shopping ambiance. Key contributions include the robotic-percussion instrument design, demonstration of continuous operation in public space, and insights into reliability, human-robot interaction, and brand alignment. The work highlights practical implications for retail experiences and points to future research at the intersection of technology, music, and public spaces.
Abstract
This paper presents an innovative exploration into the integration of interactive robotic musicianship within a commercial retail environment, specifically through a three-week-long in-store installation featuring a UR3 robotic arm, custom-built frame drums, and an adaptive music generation system. Situated in a prominent storefront in one of the world's largest cities, this project aimed to enhance the shopping experience by creating dynamic, engaging musical interactions that respond to the store's ambient soundscape. Key contributions include the novel application of industrial robotics in artistic expression, the deployment of interactive music to enrich retail ambiance, and the demonstration of continuous robotic operation in a public setting over an extended period. Challenges such as system reliability, variation in musical output, safety in interactive contexts, and brand alignment were addressed to ensure the installation's success. The project not only showcased the technical feasibility and artistic potential of robotic musicianship in retail spaces but also offered insights into the practical implications of such integration, including system reliability, the dynamics of human-robot interaction, and the impact on store operations. This exploration opens new avenues for enhancing consumer retail experiences through the intersection of technology, music, and interactive art, suggesting a future where robotic musicianship contributes meaningfully to public and commercial spaces.