Marc Raibert, known for his pioneering work in robotics, has recently opened a unique pop-up shop called the “Robot Lab” at the CambridgeSide mall in Cambridge. This limited-time location, running through August 15th, aims to showcase the positive aspects of robotics beyond the dramatic portrayals often seen in Hollywood films and news stories.
Raibert, who founded Boston Dynamics in 1992 and now serves as the executive director of the Robotics and AI Institute (RAI) in Cambridge, believes it’s important for the public to understand the capabilities of robots like the dog-like Spot and the agile humanoid Atlas.
The Robot Lab does not sell products; instead, it allows visitors to experience firsthand what robots can do. Inside the lab, guests can drive a Spot robot around a simulated apartment, view some of Raibert’s early walking robots from the 1980s, and observe a full-sized Atlas robot up close. Additionally, there are robot dance performances to entertain and engage the audience while also highlighting the advanced technology involved in robotics.
One goal of the shop is to gather data on people’s perceptions of robots. Visitors are invited to participate by completing a survey available on an iPad. According to a spokesperson, despite limited promotion for the pop-up, the Robot Lab is attracting approximately 150 visitors on weekdays and 250 on weekends.
Raibert’s mission extends beyond mere demonstration; he aims to inspire young minds to consider careers in robotics, science, or engineering. Many visitors approach Raibert to share how watching his YouTube videos in grade school influenced their career paths, expressing their desire to become robotic scientists today.
While the lease for the Robot Lab is set to conclude in mid-August, Raibert envisions potential growth for the initiative. He sees the possibility of creating a more permanent location or perhaps even a traveling robot show that could engage audiences nationwide.
Raibert reminisced about his time at Boston Dynamics while discussing ideas for future robot performances. He mentioned the potential of crafting interactive shows where robots would respond to music and engage with human dancers, much like the dance videos he developed with the Atlas robot.
This innovative approach could pave the way for a new genre of performance art, and with Raibert’s vision, the concept of a traveling dance troupe featuring robots could become a reality.
The Robot Lab offers a glimpse into the future of robotics while also nurturing the next generation of engineers and scientists. As visitors interact with the technology, they engage with Raibert’s mission to highlight both the fun and functional sides of robotics in our lives, potentially sparking a lifelong interest in this fascinating field.
In the spirit of creativity, if the pop-up shop leads to the envisioned performances, perhaps it could even be dubbed the “Bots-ton Ballet” — a fitting homage to the intersection of art and advanced technology.
image source from：masslive
