The kinetic sound installation VIBRATIONS reflects on the topic of spatiality and contemplation. In a three years long production process the German media artists Moritz Simon Geist created this robotic autonomous instrument which is based on the instrument ‘Vibraphone’, deconstructing the sound and the physical shape of the classic jazz instrument. The sound of the robot is generated by tuned aluminum bars, controlled by a complex, distributed robotic actuator system.

The sound is multifaceted, ranging from gloomy chords to high concise melodies. The compositions are influenced by composers like Terry Riley, John Adam, Steve Reich and Harry Partch.

During his EMAP residency at Ars Electronica, Moritz Simon Geist created compositions with a generative composition algorithm, which are then played by the installation both in a concert and in an installation surrounding.

None of the sounds in this instrument is played by humans, but by 36 small robotic actuators. The mechanics introduce slight variations in sound and rhythm, which are organic in contrast to calculated computer generated sounds. On the other hand, the robots are precise enough to play repetitive structures that no human could ever reproduce. This creates a new sound form (“robotic electronic music”) which is both organic and mechanical.