Having already dabbled in the artforms of [tattooing](http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/artist-turns-tattoo-into-an-experimental-instrument), [Etch A Sketching](http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/hacked-etch-a-sketch-becomes-generative-map-maker), and [mind control](http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/mind-controlled-magnets-move-a-fluorescent-green-pool), Russian gadgeteer [::vtol::](http://vimeo.com/vtol) has delved into a more traditional medium for his latest project: conducting. It woudn't be a ::vtol:: project if it didn't push some boundaries, though, so_ Nayral-Ro_ turned out to be a fully robotic orchestra that blasts discordant whistles and hums in reaction to physical gestures.

12 robotic arms holding speakers stand mounted on podiums in the _Nayral-Ro_ orchestra pit, routed to a Magic Leap Motion Controller mounted on the conductor's stand. The device turns hand gestures into commands in a way similar to how theremins turn proximity into sound, making ::vtol::'s machine symphony like a theremin _plus_: as the human conductor wildly waves his or her arms over the podium, each speaker bends and rotates, the algorithm generating compositional changes. Listeners are treated to the chaotic soundscape of 12 different sounds coming from 12 ever-changing directions, which would be abrasive if it didn't look so cool. Coming from a guy who has even made music from [dangerous radiation](http://noisey.vice.com/en_uk/read/yntht-this-russian-soundsystem-turns-radiation-into-ambient-sounds), practicality is beside the point.

_Nayral-Ro_ was commissioned by the [Garage Museum of Contemporary Art](http://garageccc.com/en) and the [Geek Picnic Festival](https://twitter.com/geekpicnic), so thank them either for your profound realization about the nature of sound and machine-generated art, your ringing ears, or both.

Interactive robot orchestra

more info and images - http://vtol.cc/filter/works/nayral-ro

The orchestra consists of 12 robotic manipulators of various designs, each of which is equipped with a sound-transmitting speaker. The manipulators, combined together, form a single multi-channel electronic sound orchestra. Due to constant displacement speakers in space, changing direction of the sound and the algorithms for generating compositions, the orchestra creates a dynamic soundscape. In order to interact with the orchestra, controller Leap Motion is used, that allows to control robots and sound by simple hands gestures in the air - similarly to conducting an orchestra.

The project is based on the idea of a combination of modern music, computer, interactive and robotic concepts and approaches for the creation of works of art. In many ways, it is inspired by well-known works that were presented in the recent past, such as Pendulum Choir (2011) and Mendelssohn Effektorium (2013). However, Nayral Ro is different from these projects in many ways. Its algorithmic system, in which sound and musical composition are being produced, is real time, and the acoustic environment also changes simultaneously with the process of creating the musical piece. Also, the whole process is completely subordinated by the "conductor", so this a role is similar to such of a composer, performer and operator at the same time.

Creation of more sophisticated versions, more subtly revealing the potential of Leap Motion for tuning to the movement and changes in sound, is being planned for the future development.

video by Nikolai Zheludovich

::vtol:: nayral-ro

Visit [::vtol::'s website](http://vtol.cc) for more of his experimental inventions.

_[This Installation Lets You Look at the Sun Without Burning Your Eyes](http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/installation-lets-you-look-at-the-sun-without-burning-your-eyes)_

_[Mind-Controlled Magnets Move A Fluorescent Green Pool](http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/mind-controlled-magnets-move-a-fluorescent-green-pool)_

_[Artist Creates Tiny Bluetooth Speaker That Defies Gravity](http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/artist-creates-tiny-bluetooth-speaker-that-defies-gravity)_

_[Artist Turns Tattoo Into An Experimental Instrument](http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/artist-turns-tattoo-into-an-experimental-instrument)_

creators

Music

Russian gadgeteer ::vtol:: has created a 12-robot orchestra which moves and sounds atop 12 robotic arms. 

FYI.

This story is over 5 years old.

Motion-Sensing Robot Orchestra Plays Algorthmic Symphonies

FYI.

This story is over 5 years old.

Motion-Sensing Robot Orchestra Plays Algorthmic Symphonies

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