In New York, artificial intelligence and theater were connected in an unusual project as Unitree GO2 debuted on stage as part of The Robot, The Spy, and the Love of AI. The play, combining elements of comedy and science fiction, is currently running at Chain Theater until March 1 as part of the Chain Winter One Act Festival.
The concept behind the performance was created by playwright John Arthur Long, who was inspired by a video featuring the GO2 Pro robot. Long purchased the robot and integrated its technical capabilities into the script. “I don’t recall a real robot ever performing on stage before,” Long mentioned in an interview with CNET, highlighting the uniqueness of the production.
Developed by the Chinese company Unitree, Unitree GO2 Pro is a competitor to the famous Spot robot from Boston Dynamics. Priced starting from $1600, the robot features a body made of aluminum alloy and engineering plastic. Weighing around 15 kg, it comes equipped with various technologies such as a 3D-Lidar, a wide-angle camera, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and a maximum battery life of 8000.
Operator Darel Garcia controls the robot’s movements using an application and a controller. He mentioned that “90% of actions are manually controlled, with complex movements like jumps and paw actions being pre-programmed.” Besides mimicking dog movements, GO2 Pro is capable of performing somersaults, dancing, and executing tricks.
The robot’s voice during the performance is provided by actor David Ray, creating the illusion of a “living” character. Director Kerk Gostkovsky revealed that while recorded dialogues were initially considered, they opted for live voice acting to enhance the naturalness of the performance. Gostkovsky explained, “Comedy is crucial for the audience. If they laugh, the actor must pause – this is what makes live theater so special.”
The play delves into classic science fiction themes, prompting questions about humanity’s essence in a world where AI reigns supreme. The cast includes actors Gabriel Risdal (known for Amazon Prime’s The Better Sister), Monica Pak (from Simpatico), and the GO2 PRO robot, portraying a fully-fledged character.
This experiment with robotic performers demonstrates how technology can revolutionize live performances. The theatrical debut of Unitree GO2 could signify the dawn of a new era where robots not only operate behind the scenes but also take center stage in productions.