The eerie 'forced exoskeleton rave' where dancers' bodies are controlled by ROBOTIC SUITS

A robotic exoskeleton and performance art installation is automating the discipline of synchronized dance.

At San Francisco’s Gray Area Festival, an annual event that combines art, technology, and music, an exhibit called ‘Inferno’ is employing robotics to turn people into puppets. 

With an exoskeleton and a ‘dark industrial’ soundtrack, Inferno is commandeering participants’ limbs for an enthralling — if off-putting — performance.

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Participants in the piece are subject to the input of a ‘DJ’ who controls both the music and how subjects dance to it

‘Each robot is designed to perform dynamic movements choreographed and activated by the artists, mobilizing the performers to dance in time to the dark, industrial techno soundtrack for the audience,’ says a description on the event’s website.

The installation, which described by one Twitter user as a ‘forced rave’ is not just fascinating to watch, but according to the routine’s creators, Louis-Philippe Demers and Bill Vorn, is designed to stoke conversations about agency and technology. 

Participants in the piece are subject to the input of a ‘DJ’ who controls both the music and how subjects dance to it.

‘Shifting the command from artist to computer and role of audience to performer, Inferno questions the nature of control and agency in the landscape of technology and performance today,’ reads Inferno’s description.  

‘At the frontier of art and technology, this interactive performance poses a remarkably unique experience questioning our world in its transformation.’

While the installation is meant more as meta commentary than a demonstration of practical technology, the use of exoskeletons is far from science fiction.

Exoskeletons that enhance and augment human abilities have increasingly become a reality, especially in the world of construction and emergency response.

At San Francisco’s Gray Area Festival , an annual event that combines art, technology, and music, an exhibit called ‘Inferno’, is employing robotics to turn people into puppets

With an exoskeleton and a ‘dark industrial’ soundtrack, Inferno is commandeering participants’ limbs for an enthralling — if off-putting — performance

Just last month, an international working group, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), announced that they’re beginning to home in on standards for the use of exoskeletons worldwide. 

The group will focus on ‘industrial, emergency response, medical, military and consumer applications,’ according to the ASTM. 

Robotic skeletons have also found applications in assisting those with physical impairments to walk.

WHAT ARE THE HAL ‘CYBORG LEGS’?

Japanese robotics firm has been developing the HAL cyborg legs since 2009.

The Hybrid Assistive Limb robot suit is worn as an exoskeleton and can be used to help people with disabilities learn to walk again.

The robot suit fits around the wearer’s midsection and legs to provide support for people who are otherwise unable to walk on their own.

HAL is commonly used by people who are suffering from a spinal cord injury.

HAL can be adjusted based on the person’s leg lengths, hip widths and foot sizes.   

The Hybrid Assistive Limb robot suit has sensors that attach to the wearer’s legs, which then detect bio-electric signals transmitted from the brain to the muscles.

It comes in one color — pearl white — but can be made in small, medium and large sizes. 

Here are the specs:  

• Small – between 145 and 165 centimeters 
• Medium – between 150 and 170 centimeters
• Large –  between 165 and 185 centimeters
• Users have to weigh less than 175 lbs
• A custom lithium battery lasts up to 90 minutes on a single charge
• HAL comes with a belt for fastening, hip supporter, custom shoe and other accessories