An industrial robot that has been reprogrammed to “blow” bubbles is the latest addition to the V&A.
Soap Opera, created by Andrea Anner and Thibault Brevet, is now producing bubbles at the upper hall of the museum.
Andrea and Thibault are founders of the non-industrial robot practice AATB, which specialises in transforming industrial robots into playful installations.
The installation consists of a UR10 robotic arm designed to work alongside humans in factories, performing tasks that require precision and reliability, such as uploading large items from pallets.
The arm has been fitted with a wand and hoop and reprogrammed to create bubbles.
V&A Dundee's first birthday celebrations are off to a flyer pic.twitter.com/vff3aEvLRq
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Andrea said: “We wanted to bring the idea that bubbles are a metaphorical symbol for the transience of life into the 21st century by removing the human in the act of blowing bubbles.”
Thibault said: “We want people to be entertained and enjoy watching this fleeting moment and also to consider the interaction between the digital controls of the robot and the organic nature of the bubble which prevents us from knowing what to expect each time.”
The arm will remain the V&A until shortly before the opening of the museum’s next major exhibition, Hello, Robot. Design Between Human and Machine on November 2.
The robot is expected to produce around 38,400 bubbles by then.
