During my studies, I spent a semester abroad at the City University of Hong Kong. Our work RUDEbot, created with Yoki Lee Yung Ki and Leong Pui Yee on the Robotic Art course of Tomas Laurenzo, was selected for the International Symposium on Electronic Art in Vancouver.

RUDEbot is a robotic artwork designed to explore the dynamics of power in Human- Robot Interaction (HRI). RUDEbot consists of a robot that actively tracks spectators and, upon intrusion into its “private space,” attempts to hit them with a wooden stick. By incorporating controlled violence, RUDEbot intentionally disrupts conventional robotic behavior, thereby highlighting the inherent limitations and power structures within HRI.

RUDEbot possesses its own distinct character. In this project, we intentionally violate one of Asimov’s “Three Laws of Robotics.” When an audience member enters its programmed “private space,” RUDEbot’s face recognition system activates, causing the robot to interact with the viewer. As the audience moves closer, RUDEbot appears to retreat, as if shy or scared. Conversely, as the audience moves away, RUDEbot leans forward, maintaining a dynamic engagement.

The robot’s arm rotates between 0 and 180 degrees to deliver a hit when someone gets too close, effectively merging art with a provocative commentary on personal space and control in human-robot relationships. This innovative approach challenges traditional expectations, providing a unique, interactive, and thought- provoking experience