In a groundbreaking event at the National Theatre of Korea, an android named EveR 6 co-conducted the Korean National Symphony Orchestra, becoming South Korea’s first robo-conductor to make a public appearance. The performance, titled ‘Absence,’ featured EveR 6, designed by the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), alongside conductor Choi Soo-yeoul.
EveR 6 is equipped with a humanoid face and has a human-like form with a torso, two arms, a neck, and a head. KITECH developed the robot using “motion capture” technology, enabling it to mimic a conductor’s baton movements accurately. The robot can also track the speed of the baton.
Ahead of the performance, the National Theatre of Korea shared a teaser video on YouTube, providing glimpses into the rehearsal and training process of EveR 6. Conductor Choi Soo-yeoul, who shared the stage with the robot, acknowledged that real-time interaction and communication pose significant challenges for robots, especially in a musical context. However, he was impressed by EveR 6’s ability to execute detailed moves.
During the concert, both Choi and EveR 6 took turns conducting pieces. The robot led three out of five pieces, and then they performed one piece side by side. Choi expressed that the recital demonstrated how robots and humans can coexist and complement each other, rather than replacing one another.
Reactions from the audience were mixed. One concertgoer praised the robot’s rhythmic precision but noted that it lacked the “breath” that human conductors bring to their performances. Another attendee suggested that equipping the robot with an artificial intelligence (AI) system could enhance its understanding and analysis of the music.
This event marked a significant milestone for South Korea, building upon previous instances where robots conducted orchestras. Honda’s Asimo conducted a performance with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 2008, followed by YuMi’s guest-conducting appearance in Switzerland in 2017. In 2020, Alter 3, a Japanese-designed robot, conducted a seven-minute “android opera” called Scary Beauty.
While some audience members had reservations about EveR 6’s performance, it showcased the potential of robotics in the field of music. Further advancements in AI integration could enhance the capabilities of robo-conductors, opening new possibilities for musical expression and collaboration between humans and machines.