54-375 IDeATe: Robotics for Creative Practice

10 units, Carnegie Mellon University

Robots come in all shapes and sizes: it is the integration of software and hardware that can make any machine surprisingly animate. This project-oriented course brings art and engineering together to build performance systems using embodied behavior as a creative medium. Students learn skills for designing, constructing and programming automated systems for storytelling and human interaction, then explore the results through exhibition and performance. Technical topics include programmed motion control, pneumatic machine design, closed-loop feedback systems, machine choreography, and human-robot interaction. Discussion topics include contemporary kinetic sculpture and animatronics. This interdisciplinary course is part of IDeATe Physical Computing but is open to any student.

Prerequisites: 15-104 or 15-110 or 15-112 or 99-361 or 60-212 or 60-210

Offered: Fall 2026, Fall 2025

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