Industrial robots are becoming increasingly accessible as tools for artists, yet programming them often requires specialized engineering knowledge that creates a barrier to creative experimentation. This workshop introduces a different approach: using Blender's animation environment as an intuitive interface for choreographing robotic movement.

Over two days, participants will learn how familiar animation techniques—including keyframes, constraints, and procedural workflows—can be translated into the movement of industrial robotic arms using Animaquina, an open-source Blender add-on developed specifically for creative robotic control.

Rather than focusing on manufacturing or industrial automation, the workshop explores robotics as a medium for artistic expression. Participants will investigate movement, performance, spatial choreography, and physical interaction while developing a deeper understanding of how robotic systems can become collaborators in installation, sculpture, performance, and digital fabrication.

Through demonstrations and hands-on exercises, participants will animate robots, simulate movements, and execute robotic performances in a safe, guided environment. The workshop concludes with participants creating and presenting a short robotic choreography or artistic concept.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the creative potential of industrial robots within contemporary artistic practice.
• Learn the fundamentals of robotic movement and safe operation.
• Animate robotic motion using Blender.
• Translate digital animation into physical robotic movement using Animaquina.
• Prototype a robotic artwork, performance, or kinetic installation concept.

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Workshop Schedule‍

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Day 1 — Introduction to Creative Robotics

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Robotics as an Artistic Medium

• Contemporary examples of robotic art and performance
• Creative possibilities beyond industrial automation
• Understanding robotic movement and physical constraints

Robot Fundamentals

• Degrees of freedom
• Coordinate systems
• End effectors
• Safety around industrial robots

Animating Robots in Blender

• Timeline animation
• Keyframes and interpolation
• Constraints and motion control

From Virtual Animation to Physical Motion

• Introduction to Animaquina
• Robot simulation
• Executing animations on a physical robot

Hands-on Exercise

Participants create and execute their first robotic animation.

Day 2 — Procedural Motion and Creative Exploration

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Procedural Animation

• Introduction to Geometry Nodes
• Generating movement algorithmically

Interactive Motion

• Real-time robotic control concepts
• Sensors and live inputs
• Human-robot interaction demonstrations

Studio Session

Participants develop an individual or collaborative robotic choreography, installation concept, or performative sequence with guidance from the instructors.

Final Presentations

Presentation of projects followed by group discussion and critique.

Intended Audience

This workshop is intended for artists, designers, architects, animators, creative technologists, and other creative professionals interested in exploring robotics as a medium for artistic expression.
Participants should have prior experience with digital creative tools—such as 3D modeling, animation, digital fabrication, game engines, creative coding, or computational design—but no previous experience with robotics is required. Familiarity with Blender is beneficial but not essential.

The workshop is best suited for individuals looking to incorporate robotic motion, kinetic systems, or interactive machines into their artistic practice or creative research.

Requirements:
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Participants should bring:

• A laptop capable of running Blender
• A three-button mouse

The workshop will provide:

• Industrial robotic arm(s)
• Blender and Animaquina
• Sample project files
• Demonstration end effectors
• All necessary fabrication and robotic equipment