Creative Action at a Distance: A Conceptual Framework for Embodied Performance With Robotic Actors

TL;DR

This paper proposes a conceptual framework for robotic storytelling that combines movement theory and emotional interpretation to enable creative, embodied performances with robotic actors.

Contribution

It introduces a novel framework integrating movement taxonomy and emotional interpretation to foster creativity in robotic performances.

Findings

Defined a taxonomy of schematic movements and gestures.

Hypothesized emotional grounding enhances creative interpretation.

Grounded in empirical research for robotic storytelling.

Abstract

Acting, stand-up and dancing are creative, embodied performances that nonetheless follow a script. Unless experimental or improvised, the performers draw their movements from much the same stock of embodied schemas. A slavish following of the script leaves no room for creativity, but active interpretation of the script does. It is the choices one makes, of words and actions, that make a performance creative. In this theory and hypothesis article, we present a framework for performance and interpretation within robotic storytelling. The performance framework is built upon movement theory, and defines a taxonomy of basic schematic movements and the most important gesture types. For the interpretation framework, we hypothesise that emotionally-grounded choices can inform acts of metaphor and blending, to elevate a scripted performance into a creative one. Theory and hypothesis are each grounded in empirical research, and aim to provide resources for other robotic studies of the creative use of movement and gestures.