Secrets Behind Traditional Japanese Robotics Unveiled at Questacon

10 November 2008

Japan’s last remaining Karakuri Master today shared the secrets behind the traditional robotic technology of Karakuri with Canberra school students during a hands-on workshop at Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre.

Master Shobei Tamaya IX is a ninth generation Karakuri Ningyo craftsman from an unbroken lineage and the last remaining Karakuri master.

“Questacon is honoured and excited to host this visit by Master Shobei. The students participating in the Karakuri workshops have an exciting opportunity to discover the technology behind this centuries-old Japanese tradition and how it can be applied to modern robotics,” said Questacon Director, Professor Graham Durant.

Japan’s fascination with robotics originated with Karakuri Ningyo, the first form of robotics in Japan. The traditional Japanese art of Karakuri dates back to the eighteenth century and combines puppetry and robotics. Complex robotic technology is concealed in the doll-like puppets.

Students participating in the Karakuri workshops at Questacon built several different Karakuri puppets; tea serving dolls, samurai dolls and south pointing chariots.

“The Karakuri workshops and tomorrow night’s free public lecture with Master Shobei are the latest in a series of events to celebrate Questacon’s 20th Anniversary and our ongoing collaborative relationship with Japan,” said Professor Durant.

Questacon opened in 1988 as a joint Australia-Japan Bicentennial Project. The Japanese Government and business community contributed half the cost of the building, the hub for Questacon’s national and international activities.

Master Shobei’s visit to Questacon was made possible with the support of the Japan Foundation and The Australia-Japan Foundation, a bilateral foundation, established in 1976 to strengthen the Australia-Japan relationship across a broad range of areas including, education, culture and business.

The Karakuri workshops for Canberra school students will continue tomorrow. Master Shobei will also hold a free public lecture tomorrow night.