Manchester’s Robot Orchestra in bid to replace pop sensation Ed Sheeran
21 Mar 2017
A Robot Orchestra based at The University of Manchester proved it had the X-Factor after being talent-spotted by BBC Radio 1 in a challenge to see if robots could replace pop star Ed Sheeran
In a BBC iPlayer documentary entitled ‘Can A Robot Replace Ed Sheeran?’, the Robot Orchestra, even perfected one of Ed’s latest songs, 'Shape of You'. [An audio version of the story will be broadcast today (TUESDAY, MARCH 21) on BBC Radio 1.]
The Robot Orchestra was auditioned by BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James during his nationwide quest to find a man-made alternative to the real-life pop phenomena. The robot instruments were made from recycled technology by local primary and secondary school children, as well as University students and volunteers
The Robot Orchestra found itself transported from the pioneering ‘robot labs’ at the University’s campus and teamed up with a humanoid robot who represented singer Ed Sheeran to record in London’s legendary Maida Vale studios.
There the group went through intense rehearsals and robot coding in the run-up to their performance of one of Sheeran’s songs.
“Performing at Maida Vale was an amazing experience for the staff, students, volunteers and robots,” said Alison McMurray, project manager for the Manchester Robot Orchestra.
“Of course we don’t really want to replace Ed Sheeran, we like him just the way he is. The Robot Orchestra aims to inspire young people to go into engineering as there are so many good jobs in this exciting sector - so thank you to everyone who made this experience happen.”
Alison explained that the musical adventure began when The University of Manchester team was approached by TV producers who were investigating the way robots will be used more and more in modern life. Gradually the idea for the documentary developed.
To help tell the story to a BBC Radio 1 audience it was decided to consider the idea of replacing one of the most successful and creatively prolific pop stars in the UK today, Ed Sheeran.
DJ Greg James took up the challenge and with Noel Sharkey, Robot Wars presenter and Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, visited the University to see the Robot Orchestra in action. They were so impressed they immediately invited the orchestra to Maida Vale.
To find out how the Robot Orchestra shaped up watch:
Hear from some of the students working on the Robot Orchestra team at:
The Manchester Robot Orchestra’s next live performances will be at the #scienceX event to be hosted at the intu Trafford Centre on Sunday, 23 April at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. The half hour free shows will include music written by children as well as robots made by children.