Computer Music Systems: The Synergy between Creativity and Technology.

AIs are now rapidly augmenting human intelligence. Do we still need to learn coding in an age when AIs can write code instead of humans? If so, why?

This talk provides some insights into this issue by briefly overviewing the long history of computer music and discussing how technology has influenced and been influenced by creative practices in computer music. By introducing examples from Ada Lovelace’s 19th-century dream of creating music with computers to the most recent computer music and digital practices, it concludes that coding is still one of the best ways to deepen our understanding and guide us to interesting discoveries, often unexpected, even by artists and designers.

Yes, we should not abandon the privilege of coding, even in the age of AI.

About

Hiroki Nishino is an interdisciplinary computer scientist specializing in the field of creative technology. His expertise spans the design and development of programming languages for creative coding, augmented reality, tangible interaction, and interaction design. His research and creative practices in digital media have received international awards and recognition. Additionally, he possesses excellent skills in student mentorship and has over 10 years of professional experience as a software engineer.

Nishino's research interests encompass a variety of fields, including computer music, programming languages, virtual reality, and interaction design. He is dedicated to exploring how information technology can foster creativity, intimacy, and empathy among individuals in society. His research work and practical achievements in creative technology have made significant contributions to both academia and related industries.

About

Kilian M. Schmelmer, co-founder of Component.Works, specializes in strategic innovation development and agile project management. With deep knowledge of IT and communication technologies, he excels in leading teams to implement effective strategies and solve complex challenges. His strong communication skills and leadership have successfully orchestrated large-scale virtual events and introduced innovative educational programs in VR. Kilian's achievements include winning the K20 Education Competition with the "Awesome Intelligence" project and moderating prestigious conferences like the Innovation Network Conference of the Hanns Seidel Foundation. 

Who Cares?: Aligning assistive HRI design with the values of diverse users 

Robots are designed for use in many different contexts -- homes, schools, and healthcare institutions -- by diverse users -- children, older adults, their family members, and caregivers. Robotics design, therefore, should be aligned with the needs, values, and preferences of these diverse direct and indirect users. Including diverse groups of participants in the design of robots, however, can be challenging, and requires rethinking the approaches to technology-centered research and development robotics has typically followed. It also requires accommodating different cognitive capabilities, knowledge, and expectations regarding technology while envisioning the potential of technologies that are still emerging. In this talk, I will discuss my lab’s explorations in the co-design of robots for socially assistive and educational uses in the homes of older adults and children. I will reflect on ways to center the voices of and care for diverse participants, benefit them in the short as well as potentially the long term, enable diverse populations to provide informed feedback on robot design and address the diverse needs of multiple stakeholders in the robotics design process.

About

Selma Šabanović is a Professor of Informatics and Cognitive Science at Indiana University Bloomington. She studies social robotics and human-robot interaction, with a focus on exploring how robots should be designed to assist people in various use contexts, including mental health, wellness, education, and social participation. She works with current and potential robot users of all ages, from children to older adults, and in various cultures, including East Asia, Europe, and the US. She served as the Editor in Chief of the ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction from 2017-2024 and is currently an Associate Vice President of Educational Activities for the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society. She received her PhD in Science and Technology Studies in 2007 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.