The project is dedicated to soft tissue engineering and developing a robot with functioning biological muscle which moves the body. On the frontiers of art that uses live materials to create new forms, these new creatures raise ontological and ethical questions about their status, new protocols of handling and question our attitude towards them.
In a laboratory situation, we are growing live neurons on a plate with electrodes which conduct an electrical signal. The signal is converted from analogue to digital, amplified and used for the manipulation of the Biobot’s movement. In Biobot 1.1 & 1.2, we designed the mechanical shell for the biobot in different shapes and with an information loop from the movement of the bot’s body, which can serve as information input for the neurons. This information can be retrieved, modified by the neurons and sent back to the technological body. In the next phase, the combination of technological and biological will be intertwined: the “artificial” moving mechanism will no longer be separated from the “natural” tissue.
Biobot envelops a concept of bringing not only new materials but also new processes into artistic practices and from that emerges a new artistic language. It uses scientific and technological development in a non-scientific way for the artistic composition of a biological and technological body. Biobot is a small-scale living entity with its own intelligence and its own rights to exist as a life form.
Artistic concept and development Zoran Srdić Janežič
Programming Matic Potočnik
Biosensing electronics Erik Krkač
Electronics, PCB design Gregor Krpič
3D design Cveto Kuneševič
Neural engineering BioTehna Lab / Kristijan Tkalec
Muscle engineering Educell Lab / Ariana Barlič
Production Kersnikova Institute / BioTehna Lab
Partners Kambič Laboratory Equipment, d.o.o., Educell company for cellular biology, d.o.o.
CV
Sculptor, intermedia artist and creator of puppets at the Ljubljana Puppet Theatre. In his art, he uses new materials and technologies: animatronics, moving mechanisms in connection with biological materials, 3D virtual design, virtual reality installations with AR codes, sculptural work with organic materials, etc. For his artwork, he cooperated with scientists in the field of bio- and nanotechnologies. He is the author of over 20 solo exhibitions and numerous group exhibitions. His idea for a memorial monument was chosen on a public call and set up in 2020. He received the Prize for the Quality of Fine Art at the 3rd International Festival of Fine Arts Kranj in 2014. His sculptures and artworks are a part of permanent collections at: Salon für Kunstbuch Vienna, International Centre of Graphic Arts Ljubljana, Maribor Art Gallery, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Koroška.