The Robot PhD Student takes center stage at China’s Shanghai Theatre Academy as Xueba 01 becomes the school’s first robot doctoral student. Over the next four years, this innovative Robot PhD Student will study digital performance design at STA’s Department of Stage Design. It will merge artificial intelligence with performing arts.
The program, jointly launched by STA and the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, trains advanced embodied agents. The robot doctoral student will learn artistic expression, cognitive growth, and interactive engagement. It will also practice traditional Chinese opera techniques and stage movements.
Technical instruction is provided by the USST team, while STA mentors guide the Robot PhD Student in artistic performance. Li Qingdu, co-supervisor and executive director of USST’s Institute of Machine Intelligence, said Xueba 01 is an upgraded version of Xingzhe No. 2. This earlier robot recently placed third in Beijing’s humanoid robot half marathon, showing the potential of the robot doctoral student program.
The machine features a tendon-based bionic structure and human-like facial technology. The Robot PhD Student can perform delicate movements, show over 100 lifelike expressions, and interact with audiences in real time. It can also adjust its height and appearance. Moreover, it can perform for over six hours under high-intensity conditions, highlighting its versatility.
STA President Huang Changyong said the robot doctoral student aims to explore the intersection of art and technology. STA professor Yang Qingqing explained that motion capture helps the Robot PhD Student learn human movements and expressions. This allows more natural and nuanced performances.
Yang added that the project enhances arts education by breaking disciplinary boundaries. It encourages artists to combine technical skills with traditional techniques and humanistic knowledge. The program also preserves and innovates Chinese opera using AI. It safeguards cultural heritage while training the robot doctoral student.
Looking ahead, the Robot PhD Student may learn directly from video footage. This will enrich its training data. Experts say the robot doctoral student initiative sets a precedent for integrating AI into performance arts. It also promotes cross-disciplinary creativity and offers a model for future robot performers.
Ultimately, the Robot doctoral Student explores artistic performance while showing how technology can act as a creative partner. In turn, the program helps preserve and transform traditional art forms for future generations.
