Now we all know that the Terminator series of films (The Terminator, Terminator 2 – Judgement Day, Terminator 3 – Rise of the Machines, and Terminator Salvation) are all works of science fiction, right?
Right?!?
But how close are we really to making this science fiction, indeed science fact?
Check out these videos of Toyota’s trumpet robot, and robot jazz band. Watch and listen.
Toyota Trumpet Robot
Toyota’s Robot Jazz Quartet
Some questions to ponder over:
- Are these robot ‘musicians’ really musicians?
- Is there perhaps some real value in these robots, or are they just a musical abomination?
- With the global economy as it is, will robots like these soon replace human musicians?
- What is the next step – where could this all lead for musicians, and people in general?
What are your thoughts?
Not to worry. Music begins with the person. The robot is not creating, only following a person’s instructions.
I am not convinced all was as it seems on video. I believe that was a pre-recorded sound. Nice exercise on robotics though.
I just cannot see the complexity of human physiology being recreated within a robot to produce what I saw.
The vibrations of the jaw bone produce the fundamental of a brass sound that is a result of teeth contact. Did not see that.
I don’t know if Maynard Ferguson would be impressed or heartbroken!
Wow. They are pretty good. I doubt they can follow a conductor. Thanks for posting these. Great stuff!
The end of the spit valve.
@BrassMusician until they can get Wynton, Drew Baham, Scotty Barnahardt, Adam Rapa, or a host of other fellas to programming those things.
@BrassMusician they’re just a machine, no soul, no depth… and even though they can get a nice sound… that is what it is. a nice sound.
Some further thoughts…
Now, I’m guessing this is one of their first performances. What I’m thinking is, do you remember how you performed in your first concert? How did it compare to these videos?
Also, although these performances do sound perhaps a little ‘robotic’, we have to remember that these robots are in a very primitive, developmental phase.
Is it then not possible, that in 20 years time, the technology will have developed to a point where the robots can understand musicality, and perform more musically?
What about improvisation? The robots could be programmed with improvisation algorithms, which would enable true AI improvised solos.
Finances: I don’t think the robots would mind working for free.
Chops: How long does a set of artificial lips last for? Are the robots capable of playing lead charts for 4 hours without getting tired?
What are your thoughts?
A friend with a great knowledge of history with whom I shared these videos, sent me the following link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Jazari
Take a look at the section entitled “Musical Robot Band”. Only 800 or so years ago
Fascinating!
Thats some freaky sh*t – just wait til their lil cute blue lights start glowin red – damn!
Can he make an oboe reed? Good question
Haha, probably not, but then again, how many trumpet players do you know that can make oboe reeds?
I agree – music does begin with the person. The robots are re-creating. But computers can also ‘learn’, or use ‘fuzzy logic’. It might not be too long before a robot ‘learns’ to make music.
Many young students learn at first by re-creating…
Interesting points though!
I’m not sure either. But what I do know is that MF had a lot more stage presence than the robots
No probs! These ones probably can’t follow a conductor. But in the near future maybe?
haha