Cognitive scientist and past fellow of the Israel Institute for Advanced Studies, Simon Kirby recently delivered a captivating TED talk delving into an unexpected project that captivated audiences worldwide: the creation of "Cybraphon."

 

Cybraphon, as Kirby described it, is a musical automaton unlike any other, built with a unique purpose—to mirror humanity's obsession with online popularity.

The idea for Cybraphon originated from Kirby's fascination with 19th-century musical automatons and his curiosity about what a 21st-century musician might obsess over. Partnering with artists Tommy Perman and Lomond Campbell, Professor Kirby embarked on a journey to create a modern-day orchestrion with a twist—it would be programmed to obsessively track its own social media popularity.

The true surprise came after Cybraphon's completion. What began as an art project soon captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, garnering attention from the tech press, national newspapers, and even winning a prestigious award. Eventually, Cybraphon found its permanent place in the National Museum of Scotland, symbolizing the intersection of technology and culture in the 21st century.

Reflecting on Cybraphon's journey, Professor Kirby emphasized the importance of embracing imperfection in artificial intelligence, suggesting that machines of the future should wear their flaws proudly, rather than conceal them beneath a veneer of perfection.

Watch Professor Simon Kirby's TED Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw5zX0lRU4Q&list=RDCMUCsT0YIqwnpJCM-mx7-...