The Robotic Drumming Third Arm project explores how a shared control paradigm between a human drummer and wearable robotic third arm can influence and potentially enhance performance. A wearable system allows us to examine interaction beyond the visual and auditory that is explored in non-wearable robotic systems such as Shimon or systems that attach actuators directly to the drums. Here, we extend the interaction to the physical and garner the communicative functions that are inherently available as a result of the constant physical connection between human and robot. The primary research challenges focused on design and usability. This included developing a prototype that allows for comfort and robust functionality, and designing functions that increase the autonomy of the robot and decrease cognitive load for the human.

View a video of the project here.

Publications

• Khodambashi R., Weinberg, G., Singhose. W., Rishmawi S., Murali V., Kim E. (2016)  “User Oriented Assessment of Vibration Suppression by Command Shaping in a Wearable Robotic Arm,” IEEE-RAS International Conference on Humanoid Robots, Cancun, Mexico.
   

Press

• Washington Post. Scientists Created a Three-Armed Cyborg to Play the Drums Like No Human Can. February 18, 2016
• CNET. Robotic limb Turns Drummer Into Three-Armed Musical Cyborg. February 19, 2016
• IEEE Spectrum. Cybernetic Third Arm Makes Drummers Even More Annoying. February 18, 2016