# Piano-Playing Robots This Musical Robot's 3D-Printed Fingers Interact with Piano Keys By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-01-23 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/musical-robot References: [3ders.org](http://www.3ders.org/articles/20180121-watch-this-3d-printed-piano-playing-robot-jam-with-its-violinist-creator.html) Polish university student Wojciech Świtała programmed a musical robot to play the piano with its [3D-printed fingers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharpawave) as part of his master’s thesis project at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow. Alongside the simple tune played by the musical robot, Świtała plays the violin. The robot is based on a [Mitsubishi](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/commercial-air-conditioner) robotic arm and has the potential to play a variety of different musical arrangements. To do this, users have the option to choose the desired virtual piano keys in a computer program to have the sequence saved and sent to the robot. Although the robot does not have the same number of digits as a human pianist, the technology has applications in the musical industry and well beyond. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 8% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Musical Robots:** The development of musical robots with innovative features such as 3D-printed fingers and advanced programming offers new opportunities for automating live performances and music education. - **Robotic Automation:** The integration of robotic arms in musical instruments demonstrates the potential of robotic automation in enhancing and augmenting human creativity in various industries. - **Virtual Instrument Programming:** The use of computer programs to program virtual piano keys for robotic instruments represents a disruptive innovation opportunity for software developers and virtual instrument manufacturers. ### Where This Applies - **Music Industry:** The use of musical robots offers new possibilities for enhancing live performances, creating new music styles, and boosting music education programs in schools, conservatories, and other learning institutions. - **Manufacturing Industry:** The integration of 3D printing technology with robotics opens up new avenues for innovation in the manufacturing of robotic components and instruments beyond the musical industry. - **Software Industry:** The development of computer programs and software applications for programming virtual piano keys for robotic instruments presents new opportunities for software engineers and developers in the music and automation industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Driven Robot Gloves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-glove-1.md) - [Digital Motion-Sensing Pianos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roli-piano.md) - [AI-Powered Piano Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roli-piano-system.md) - [AI-Powered Piano Learning Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roli-ai-music-coach.md) - [Engaging Musical Humanoid Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toy-robot-concept.md) - [Touchscreen Grand Pianos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/porochista.md) - [Hand-Sensing Musical Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roli-airwave.md) - [Actuator Energy Humanoid Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optimus-1.md) - [Sculptural Art Pianos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steel-and-stone-piano-v2.md)