Neuron Conductor

Background: Neuron Conductor investigates hybrid biological-robot systems and how data and action is modulated and transformed within such systems. The work extends ongoing research into the extension of virtual environments through robotics, enabling virtual environments to have physical agency. Contribution: Neuron Conductor is a hybrid biological-machine generated artwork that sees a model of a biological brain controlling a robot arm to conduct a generative musical score and real-time projected 3D environment. Mosquito neurons infected with ZIKA virus are cultured on a Micro Electrode Array (MEA). The neurons exhibit unique variations in spiking patterns as a result of infection. The spiking patterns control the movement of the robot which in turn generates a musical score and full room projections (three walls and ceiling) based on slides of the cultured neurons. The movement of the robot interacts with the visuals by trying to wipe away the virus infected neurons without success as they continue to propagate. The work demonstrates a novel form of non-human/robot interaction. Significance: Neuron Conductor is a significant art-science collaboration between artists McCormick and Nash and bio-engineer Asim Bhatti. The work provides a novel method of visualising data produced from bio-engineering experiments and raises awareness of some of the ramifications of the inter-relationship of organisms affecting human and non-human populations. Neuron Conductor was commissioned by RMIT gallery for The Model Citizen exhibition curated by Sean Redmond (Deakin Uni) and Darrin Verhagen (RMIT). It ran for six weeks in its own gallery space.