Parasites & Robotics

What do robotic parasites look like? How do artificial creatures evolve, sense, and move in their environments?

In this unique summer course, students will explore the wild intersection of biology and technology, blending sci-fi thinking with real-world robotics. Over 5 immersive days, participants will learn how to build and program their bio-inspired robot using Arduino, sensors, and creative coding platforms like TouchDesigner and Pure Data.

The workshop lasts 5 days - 4 hours per day

Total 20 hours.

What You’ll Explore

Each session combines theoretical concepts of biology, practical design, and creative process, with critical reflection, structured around these core topics:

Body & Boards | Explore the anatomical structures of parasites and compare them with the evolving architecture of Arduino hardware.

Adaptation & Development | Investigate how biological adaptations can inform iterative design strategies in robotics.

Sensorial Organs & Sensors | Understand how organisms perceive their environments and learn to replicate these functions using robotic sensors.

Appendages & Actuators | Examine the diversity of parasitic locomotion and experiment with actuators that bring robotic limbs to life.

Behavior & Programming | Define robotic behavior through code, developing systems that react and adapt in lifelike ways.

Environment & Interface | Study the extreme habitats parasites thrive in to inspire the design of responsive interfaces for digital and physical interaction.

Prototyping Our Own Robotic Parasite | Synthesize all concepts to collaboratively build, program, and animate a bio-inspired robotic organism.

AIMS

• Bridge biological principles of parasites with robotics, focusing on adaptation, movement, and sensory perception.
• Introduce participants to the fundamental concepts of Arduino, actuators, and robotic sensors.
• Develop hands-on experience in building and programming robotic systems using open-source platforms.
• Explore different Processing Environments, like Touch Designer or Pure Data, and other programs that can be used to control robots with a Host computer, integrating programming with physical movement.
• Support participants in conceptualizing and prototyping their own robotic projects within a collaborative framework.
• Dive into extreme biological adaptations and sci-fi, exploring how they can inspire new ways of thinking beyond a human perspective.By the end of the week, each participant will walk away with a working robotic prototype, new digital-physical design skills, and a certified credential.Who Is It For?

This workshop is open to any creatives including:

• Aspiring artists, designers, or engineers
• Anyone interested in robotics, programming, interactive installations, sci-fi, biology or interdisciplinary research
• Those applying to university or building a creative portfolioNo prior experience is required. Just bring your laptop—we provide all the materials to build your robot.Price & Certification
• Early Bird (until June 1): £240
• Concessions: £130

• Standard: £280
• Student Group Discount (2+ signups): £112 per person✔️ Price includes full materials + official Certificate of Completion* If you cannot afford the standard price, we are offering 3 partial grants covering 50% of the fee. Please apply by sending a short description of your situation to Y29udGFjdCB8IHNhbHZhZG9ybWFyaW5vICEgY29t by July 5th.This course is a future-facing, skill-building summer opportunity for you to explore creative tech, problem-solving, and design thinking. With expert guidance and a small-group format, participants gain practical experience and confidence—plus a real portfolio project to showcase.

📩 Questions? Contact us at: aWJvc3R1ZGlvcyB8IHByb3RvbiAhIG1l

🎟️ Spots are limited – register early to secure your place!Lecturers

Salvador Marino (b. 1985, Argentina) is a biologist and transdisciplinary artist whose work merges art, science, and technology. With a PhD in Biology and a strong background in evolutionary theory, his artistic practice investigates the boundaries between organic and inorganic systems, creating speculative narratives that explore hybrid life forms, adaptation, and the politics of the body.He is co-founder of Post-Organic Bauplan, a long-term collaboration with Josefina Maro that develops robotic prostheses to question the practices that condition our bodily perception and the human-machine relationships through movement and performance. Salvador's approach to robotics is rooted in biological thinking, evolutionary processes, and embodied experimentation, making his work uniquely positioned to lead this speculative, hands-on workshop on parasitic machines.

Aleksy Domke is an interdisciplinary artist and designer based in Amsterdam. Their practice critically examines new technologies and internet cultures through theoretical and cultural frameworks. Bridging humanities and sciences, Aleksy employs iterative design and engineering methods alongside in-depth research, incorporating computer-aided design and manufacturing techniques into their practice.

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