ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Parasites & Robotics is a sci-fi workshop that bridges biology and robotics, drawing parallels between natural evolution and technological design. By examining concepts such as body architecture, sensory perception, hots, evolution, and behavior, participants will dive into how parasites evolve and interact with their environments and how these biological principles can inspire robotic design.
Through creative exercises, participants will explore how robotic bodies can emerge as adaptive entities that inhabit both physical and virtual ecosystems. The workshop invites reflection on environments, interfaces, host bodies, and the dynamic relationship between organic and artificial life forms. Using Arduino boards, Pure Data and Ableton as our base tools, we’ll prototype behaviors and sensory systems that respond to real-world stimuli. Participants will also be introduced to Unreal Engine, learning how to extend their robotic creations into virtual spaces.
By the end of the workshop, participants will collaboratively prototype and animate their own bio-inspired robotic parasite, exploring how hybrid organisms can exist between code, hardware, and imagination.

The workshop includes an Arduino kit for each participant to use and take home for future projects.

AIMS
● Bridge biological principles of parasites with robotics, focusing on adaptation, movement, and sensory perception.
● Introduce participants to the fundamental concepts of Arduino, actuators, and robotic sensors.
● Develop hands-on experience in building and programming robotic systems using open-source platforms.
● Explore different Processing Environments, like Pure Data and Ableton can be used to control robots with a Host computer, integrating programming with physical movement.
● Explore how Arduino can interact with game engines like Unreal Engine to create hybrid systems that blend physical robotics and virtual environments.
● Support participants in conceptualizing and prototyping their own robotic projects within a collaborative framework.
● Dive into extreme biological adaptations and sci-fi, exploring how they can inspire new ways of thinking beyond a human perspective.

WHO CAN JOIN:
This workshop is open to creative minds, artists, performers, designers, and anyone interested in robotics, biology, programming, interactive installations, and interdisciplinary research. No prior experience is required. No previous experience with Arduino required.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
The participation in the workshop includes a basic Arduino kit for each participant, providing the tools to prototype and develop their own robotic project. The participants need to bring their laptops.

Workshop is hosted by Salvador Marino
Salvador Marino is a Doctor in Biology and a transdisciplinary artist at the intersection of art, science, and technology. His work focuses on interactive art, sculpture, performance, and direction, aiming to critique the hegemonic systems that shape our perceptions of life, nature, technology, and the body.

https://salvadormarino.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/

Find the full description here: https://salvadormarino.com/parasites_and_robotics/