Science at the Local - June 2026

Sunday 21st June at 2pm

Robotic Musicians: What Happens When Machines Become Bandmates

Dr, Richard Savery, Macquarie University

Can Technology Make Us More Creative? Lessons from Music & Human-Computer Interaction

Anna Savery, Creative & Cognition Studios, University of Technology Sydney

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Richard is a musician, roboticist, and artificial intelligence researcher whose work explores how humans and machines can create music together. He completed his PhD in Robotics at the University of New South Wales, where he developed robots capable of improvising and collaborating with human musicians in real time. His innovative research has earned national recognition, including being named a 2025 NSW Young Tall Poppy Award winner for excellence in scientific research and communication. Combining expertise in music, engineering, and AI, Richard's work investigates creativity, collaboration, and the future of human–robot interaction. Through engaging demonstrations and real-world examples, he offers a fascinating glimpse into how intelligent machines are moving beyond tools to become creative partners.

Anna is a violinist, composer, improviser, music technologist, and researcher whose work explores the creative possibilities at the intersection of music, technology, and storytelling. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Integrated Composition, Improvisation, and Technology from the University of California, Irvine, as well as degrees in Jazz Performance from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Classical Performance from the Australian Institute of Music. Anna is working on her PhD with the Creativity and Cognition Studios at the University of Technology Sydney, where her research focuses on innovative forms of human–technology interaction in artistic performance. Through her work as a performer, composer, and researcher, Anna creates engaging experiences that blend music, emerging technologies, and creative expression.