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Shadow to be included in Science Museum ‘Robot’s exhibition

Shadow to be included in Science Museum ‘Robot’s exhibition

Opening on 8th February 2017, the Robots exhibition at London’s Science Museum will explore humanity’s 500-year quest to recreate ourselves in mechanised form. Throughout history, artists and scientists have sought to understand what it means to be human; this exhibition will explore this very human obsession to recreate ourselves, revealing the remarkable 500-year story of humanoid robots.

Featuring a unique collection of over 100 robots, from a 16th century mechanical monk to robots from science fiction and modern-day research labs, this exhibition will enable visitors to discover the cultural, historical and technological context of humanoid robots. We are so proud to have our work in the exhibition, from one of our very recognisable Dexterous Hands, to a very early biped (one of the world’s first walking robots). Visitors will be able to interact with some of the robots on display too.

Among many other highlights will be an articulated iron manikin from the 1500s, Cygan, and a   2.4m tall 1950s robot with a glamorous past. Robots have been at the heart of popular culture since the word ‘robot’ was first used in 1920, but their story dates back many centuries. Set in five different periods and places, this exhibition will explore how robots and society have been shaped by religious belief, the industrial revolution, 20th century popular culture and dreams about the future.

Our Managing Director, Rich Walker, said ‘For the Science Museum to come to us and ask to include our work in an exhibition about Robots is really incredible. The pieces being exhibited show the evolution of Shadow, from the walking biped created over 20 years ago when we were the Shadow Project, to our current state-of-the-art Dexterous Hands, which are sold and used worldwide. I think it will be a really exciting exhibition to visit, you’re always guaranteed to see a cool gizmo or two at the Science Museum!’

Ian Blatchford, Director of the Science Museum Group said: ‘This exhibition explores the uniquely human obsession of recreating ourselves, not through paint or marble but in metal. Seeing robots through the eyes of those who built or gazed in awe at them reveals much about humanity’s hopes, fears and dreams. The latest in our series of ambitious, blockbuster exhibitions, Robots explores the wondrously rich culture, history and technology of humanoid robotics. Last year we moved gigantic spacecraft from Moscow to the Museum, but this year we will bring a robot back to life.’

Ben Russell, Lead Curator for Robots said: ‘I’ve always been fascinated by robots, and it’s only now that we are able to share their fascinating story at the Science Museum.’

As the home of human ingenuity, the Science Museum’s world-class collection forms an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical achievements from across the globe. Welcoming over three million visitors a year, the Museum aims to make sense of the science that shapes our lives, inspiring visitors with iconic objects, award-winning exhibitions and incredible stories of scientific achievement. More information about the exhibition can be here.

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