About the project

RAPP Lab (Robots, Art, People and Performance Laboratory) is a practice-based research initiative that puts collaborative robot arms on stage with human performers. It was founded by the University of Canberra’s Collaborative Robotics Lab and is now in its fourth iteration. RAPP Lab 04 marks the first time NIDA has been involved, partnering with the University of Canberra to co-host the workshop on our campus and bring NIDA’s conservatoire expertise into the mix. 

Previous iterations proved that performers and the robot arm could build real creative connection on stage, but the robot was limited to manual movements. In RAPP Lab 4 the robot arm could watch and respond to performers in real-time, opening up genuine improvisation. The participant group included six NIDA actors, three UC engineers and two NIDA design students working in mixed teams, making it an interdisciplinary collaboration for the first time. 

The three-day intensive at NIDA culminated in an open work-in-progress showing for invited stakeholders. The facilitation team included Piumi Wijesundara (human-robot ensemble), Dr Maleen Jayasuriya (robotics lead), Professor Damith Herath (research lead), Gavin Robins (NIDA Head of Movement), Marcelo Zavala Baeza (NIDA Head of Props and Effects), Dr Suzanne Osmond (Head of Academic Development and Research) and Beth Shulman (Head of NIDA Future Centre). Further workshops and collaborations are being planned for 2027.