Q. I have been interested in robots for a long time. I donﾕt quite understand how a robot and Max/MSP/Jitter will relate to each other in this workshop. Could you please explain more ?

A. Max/MSP/Jitter are multi-purpose applications which have many possible functions and can be used in conjunction with audio and video manipulation, internet communication, etc.. Further, since Max/MSP/Jitter is designed to transmit and receive (input and output), the software allows one to easily connect to external controllers, for example. Compared to other programs, the software environment of Max/MSP/Jitter is intended more for development.
If we look at past DSP Summer School programs, we have had themes such as algorithmic programming, video and sound etc.. Hardware systems, which are able to input and output with external devices, will be the main focus this year. The challenge is to be able to control a robot with Max/MSP/Jitter. We intend to create an advanced Max patch in order to increase the robot's functions to the point where it can efficiently perform music. Since Max is an object-oriented programming environment, there are many advantageous points for using it to control a robot. There are numerous application objects and libraries which make it possible to flexibly change the function of movement. Based on these ideas, we will construct a Max patch to control the robot while at the same time assembling an actual robot from a kit.

Q. Even though I am inexperienced with robots and electrical engineering, etc., can I participate in this workshop?

A.Even participants with no experience in robotics can benefit from the workshop. A robot kit can be assembled quite easily, without doing any detailed soldering or electrical wiring. An experienced person will also enjoy assembling an advanced robot. In general, the robot kit is made for beginners in the field; however, we believe that there is a lot to enjoy and learn from assembling a simple robot.

Q. Will I have a chance to study Max/MSP/Jitter as well?

A.Yes. There will be lectures for beginners in Max/MSP/Jitter in the morning and lectures for experienced users in the afternoon. In addition to gaining experience with robots, one will have the time to learn Max/MSP/Jitter from a fundamental level to an advanced level. Consequently, it is essential to participate in the workshop in order to apply what you have learnt in the lectures. The workshop will give participants the opportunity to apply programming techniques through Max/MSP.

Q. I have already been working on a robot and have been showing my work in public. Would it be possible to bring my robot and to use it during the workshop?

A. Yes. It is certainly possible to bring your own robot. You can then create a new work during the workshop or you might wish to collaborate with other participants. On the last day, you can present your results at the performance and exhibit your robot design. The summer school staff will be available to help you with any programming issues for your robot. The design development of your robot, will be your own responsibility. Moreover, if you ask to be a part of the presentation portion of the course, you can present or describe your work as part of the summer school schedule.

Q. Is Max/MSP/Jitter really required in conjunction with a robot?

A. Seeing how the robot is designed to be a collection of motors, it would have no functionality without the assistance of a program language. This is especially true with the basic robot design used in robot kits.
A robot is able to perform simple movements through simple programming. More advanced programming can lead to variations of artificial intelligence. The advantage of using Max/MSP/Jitter is that compiling time is at a minimum and the application allows the robot to be used in ﾔreal timeﾕ. Further, the object-orientated programming platform in Max is conducive to simulating artificial intelligence.
Besides these reasons, Max/MSP/Jitter can be flexibly applied to other environments. It already offers many application objects and libraries for sound and image art.

Q. After the summer school, am I allowed to take my robot home?

A. If you can afford the cost of the robot kit (about 20,000 yen or $164USD), you may take it home. As a participant, you may have a chance to purchase the robot kit at a discount price. We are currently negotiating the reduced price with the distributor.

Q. I already have an idea for a robot piece. Can I work independently instead of working with the group?

A. Because the number of robot kits that we can obtain is limited; you may work independently if, and only if you pay for and obtain your own robot kit. You can certainly purchase your own kit before the summer school begins; but be advised that we are under negotiation with the distribution company to provide a special price for all DSP Summer School participants. This means that you will not be able to benefit from the reduced price until you enroll in the summer school.