SymbioSinging: Robotically transposing singing experience across singing and non-singing bodies

Abstract

In this paper we present our late-breaking work in leveraging a soft robotic fiber-based wearable system for the transposition of somatic knowledge and experience within the context of singing. We examine how the transposition of the physical nuances of singing from one body to another, or multiple other bodies, is possible by engaging with a soma design process. We share our findings in the context of experience transposition, resulting in a preliminary prototype: a pneumatically controlled soft robotic garment—called ADA (short for air-driven actuator) for re-enacting felt experiences of singing onto the human body. We contribute with 1) our initial findings in transposing singing experiences between and across bodies, and 2) a preliminary wearable robotic garment to mediate intersomatic experiences of singing.