Acrobot
by Daniel Simuabout
The Acrobot is a groundbreaking performance introducing a self-built robotic acrobat. Through an exciting mix of juggling, acrobatics, and storytelling it pokes at the questions of our post-digital society.
Why would a circus artist build a robot? Can robots be performers? What happens if your creation outshines you?
Daniel Simu redefines our understanding of collaboration between man and machine
gallery
Team
Daniel Simu
Daniel Simu is a Dutch interdisciplinary artist with a BA in Circus Arts (London NCCA) and an MSc in Media Technology (Leiden University). He has performed all around the world as a juggler and clown for more than 15 years, and was awarded Best Dutch Juggling Act at the Dutch Juggling Championships 2016.
In 2022, Daniel used his curiousity for technology and performance to build the first Acrobot prototype. It performed 2 amazing shows, and then fell apart. This success motivated him to acquire new skills such as 3d printing, electrical & mechanical engineering, turning him into a self-thought robot builder.
For more information about Daniels inventions, installations and other performances: DanielSimu.com
Collaborators
The Acrobot would not have gotten where it is today without the help and enthusiasm of dozens of people.
Currently the team consists of:
- Luc van Esch - Dramaturg
- Esmee Van Der Ster - Engineer
- Basti Kuhz - Engineer
- Mila Baumann - Acrobat
Special thanks to our many advisors and past collaborators:
Marit Adriaanse, Ricard Mallafré López, Edwin Dertien, Bram Graafland, Joerdis Cordua, Sebastian Frisch, Ornella Prieto, Rebecca Postmes
Partners
The Acrobot is co-produced by V2_ Lab for Unstable Media and Circusstad festival Rotterdam.
Without these invaluable partners it would not have been possible to initiate this project.
An educational programme is in development with support from Creative Coding Utrecht.
Additional financial support was received from Amarte and Gemeente Rotterdam
Sponsors
The Acrobot is very grateful to have received material sponsorship from:
Do contact us if you would like to be involved
contact
For bookings, lectures, workshops, contact info@rudi-renner.de
For other inquiries, contact hello@danielsimu.com
Social media:
- Youtube @DanielSimu - teasers & technical explanations
- Instagram @simu.circus - research & fail videos
Are you curious in how robot shows are made? Come chat with us on Discord.
