Human-Robot Experience (HRX) Theatre—An Interdisciplinary Methodology for Reimagining Human-Robot Relationships Through Movement

How can we connect with robots without mimicking human traits? Can we build meaningful relationships with nonhuman-like bodies? What if sociality emerges in the encounter itself? The Human-Robot Experience (HRX) Theatre tutorial introduces a participatory methodology for reimagining our relationships with robots through movement-based, experience-centered exploration. Participants will explore how we bodily resonate and make meaning with non-anthropomorphic machines using our Relational Body Mapping (RBM) method, employing robot costumes to facilitate embodied perspective-taking. Adopting a robot's unique perspective to experience its distinct social affordances expands our understanding beyond anthropocentric views, unlocking new modes of nonverbal communication and embodied empathy. Movement and its meaning-making potential are key to HRX. We begin with gentle movement explorations. This heightened sensitivity will shape our first embodied dialogues with artifacts. A live performance with dancers, costumes, and a robot will showcase how RBM harnesses kinesthetic awareness to explore how sociality arises in the encounter. Applying their embodied insights, participants will develop and enact inclusive speculative scenarios through embodied role-play with robot costumes. This tutorial introduces an embodied prototyping approach that leverages the potential of movement dynamics for designing expressive, nonhumanlike robots. Cultivating empathy with machinelike entities could promote the design of more diverse and sustainable relationships that recognize and leverage the differences between humans and robots. No prior dance experience is required; participants will engage at their own comfort level. Join us to explore the transformative potential of movement in reimagining our robotic futures! Supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Research Council (FT190100567).