Robots of all shapes and sizes have come to Melbourne for the new exhibition, FRIEND, at the National Communication Museum. This exhibition explores how people can build playful, uncanny and intimate relationships with machines. As you move through the space, you’ll encounter cuddly cushions with wagging tails, an old robot that plays music, little robots that need help and more. This exhibition is on from November 1 to April 26.
FRIEND at the National Communication Museum
This exhibition was developed in collaboration with Japanese interior artist and designer Ryohei Murakami of studioBOWL. You’ll see pioneering historic robots and newly commissioned works from international and local artists. As you go, you’ll consider how new technologies can become companions, collaborators and maybe even an extension of yourself.
Pieces you can look forward to include:
- WABOT-2 (1984) – the world’s first ever full-scale creative humanoid robot is making its Australian debut. This robot can read music and play an organ.
- Weak Robots – these experimental robots from Japan stumble, forget and need a little bit of help. These machines encourage empathy and play through their vulnerability.
- JIZAI Arms – designed by a team including Masahiko Inami and Shunji Yamanaka, this supernumerary robotic limb system aimed to connect people in a cyborg society.
- Qoobo and Petit Qoobo – these companion robots resemble a cushion with a tail, and respond to touch, voice and sounds. They were designed by Yukai Engineering.
- 재주없는곰 Trickless Bear – created by artist EJ SON, this adult-sized teddy bear gently breathes, blurring the line between a classic, comforting toy and an uncanny companion.
- DOOMSCROLL DREAMACHINE – this new commission by artist Brandan Tay turns social media doomscrolling into a hypnotic light and sound experience.
- ELIZA – originally created by Joseph Weizenbaum in the 1960s, this is one of the world’s first therapy chatbots. This version has been revived on retro hardware and is run on an emulation mainframe by NCM Studio.
- Pepper – this discontinued service robot has been revived by NCM Studio to read emotions, greet visitors and respond to stories by writer Grace Chan.
- Protective Seal – artist Elena Knox took PARO, an adorable therapy robot shaped like a seal, to the Arctic. See her journey on an immersive video installation.
- The Furby Choir – dozens of Furbys will respond to visitors who ask, “What is a friend?”, in a nostalgic chorus.
Key details:
📅November 1 to April 26
🎫General admission tickets to the museum are $32 for adults.
📍375 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
Learn more about the exhibition here.