IoT-Based Piano Playing Robot

This article proposes PianoTalk, an IoT-based piano-playing robot that strives for excellence in construction, control methods, and appearance. The robot features two 19-finger piano-playing hands, each functioning as an independent IoT device controlled by an IoT development platform called IoTtalk. We propose six essential rules to enable a robot to simulate human piano playing. The objective extends beyond technical prowess to embody a thematic demonstration of musical capability. This innovation offers two key contributions. Firstly, it marks the first IoT-based piano-playing robot where each robot hand and sustain pedal functions as an autonomous IoT device. This enables cascading and synchronization of multiple robot hands for any off-the-shelf piano, overcoming the fixed hand limitation in previous solutions. For example, Piano- Talk can assign either one or two robot hands to a 54-key piano and up to four robot hands for a 97-key piano duet. Secondly, PianoTalk leverages the advantages of IoT, enabling piano robots to perform orchestral pieces simultaneously in various locations. Connected to IoTtalk, it enables remote collaborations with other IoT-based musical instruments, such as the developed violin robot and smart gloves, for a comprehensive musical ensemble.