This huge styrofoam robot, Styrobot, was unveiled at the San Jose Museum of Art recently. The Styrobot which is 22 feet long, is made out of that white foamy polystyrene packing material most of us are familiar with.
The Robots: Evolution of a Cultural Icon exhibit will be on display until October 2008. The exhibit features the robotic work of more than 20 artists.
According to the exhibit website, Robots, "examines the development of robot iconography in fine art over the past 50 years. In 1920, the term robot was coined from a Czech word robota, which means tedious labor. Since then, the image and the idea of a robot have evolved remarkably from an awkward, mechanical creature to a sophisticated android with artificial intelligence and the potential for human-like consciousness. As robotic technology catches up with the wild imagination of science fiction novels, movies, and animation, dreams and fears anticipated in these stories may also become reality. Artists included in the exhibition have responded to the technological innovation with optimism, pessimism, and humor, presenting work that ultimately explores our ambivalent attitudes towards robots."
Styrafoam Robots as Art
The Robots Exhibit: Evolution of a Cultural Icon
Trend Themes
1. Styrofoam Art Robots - There is an opportunity for artists and designers to create unique, eco-friendly art pieces using styrofoam and other unconventional materials.
2. Robot Iconography in Fine Art - There is an opportunity for artists to continue to evolve and interpret the theme of robots in their work, creating thought-provoking pieces that explore our evolving relationship with technology and artificial intelligence.
3. Future of Robotics - There is an opportunity for entrepreneurs and innovators to explore the intersection of art and technology and to continue to innovate and develop new, more realistic and sophisticated robots with artificial intelligence and advanced capabilities.
Industry Implications
1. Art & Design - There is an opportunity for artists and designers to create unique and visually arresting pieces that use unusual materials and explore themes of technology and artificial intelligence.
2. Robotics - There is an opportunity for robotics companies to collaborate with artists and designers to create more engaging and visually appealing robots that can be used for a variety of purposes, from entertainment to education and beyond.
3. Entertainment - There is an opportunity for the entertainment industry to create new and innovative exhibitions and installations that incorporate art and technology, providing visitors with engaging and thought-provoking experiences.