Robot Choreography Hackathon: Designing Expressive Motion
Hackathon: Fridays, November 6th, 11am-5pm & November 13th, 11am-6pm - On-Campus Location(s) TBD
When a robot's body doesn't look like any living thing that we know, what could make its movement feel curious, hesitant, playful, or alive? Join this cross-disciplinary hackathon to find out!
On Day 1, participants will design modular robotic components that can be assembled into a menagerie of movable robotic bodies. On Day 2, participants will assemble and choreograph these modules, developing robots performing motions that are engaging and expressive.
Each day will open with a talk by Dr. Naomi Fitter, an expert in expressive robotics from the SHARE Lab at Oregon State University, followed by a Q&A with UCLA faculty Ankur Mehta (Engineering) and Kate Ladenheim (Choreography). The hackathon will culminate with a public performance of the robots in motion.
No prior robotics, coding, or dance experience required. Undergraduates from all majors are welcome. Apply here by October 26th, 2026.
Can't make the whole Hackathon? Come to our public events!
Talks from Dr. Naomi Fitter on Robotics + Expressivity: Friday, November 6th & 13th, 11am-12pm
Robotic Choreography Showing: Friday, November 13th, 5:00pm-6:00pm