Acrobot is a groundbreaking performance at the intersection of circus, technology, and storytelling. At its core is a self-built robotic acrobat who, through an exciting blend of juggling, acrobatics, and subtle humor, raises existential questions about our post-digital society: Why would a circus artist build a robot? Can robots become performers in their own right? And what happens when your own creation begins to outshine its creator? With Acrobot, Daniel Simu redefines our understanding of collaboration between humans and machines—playful, poetic, and strikingly relevant. The Artist Daniel Simu is a Dutch interdisciplinary artist with a BA in Circus Arts (National Centre for Circus Arts, London) and an MA in Media Technology (Leiden University). For more than 15 years, he has performed internationally as a juggler and clown. In 2016, he was awarded Best Dutch Juggling Act at the Dutch Juggling Championships. In 2022, Daniel combined his passion for technology and performance to build the first Acrobot prototype. After two spectacular shows, it fell apart. An apparent failure that became a powerful motivation. He went on to acquire new skills in 3D printing, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. The result is a unique, self-developed robot and an artist who is both performer and machine builder. Shows & Formats Acrobot Performance: available in 2-minute, 9-minute, or 25-minute versions Keynote: on creativity, technology, failure, and human–machine collaboration Workshop: hands-on, inspiring, and individually adaptable We are happy to advise you on the different possibilities. Language Performance: non-verbal, suitable for audiences worldwide Keynote & Workshop: Dutch, English, or German Technical Requirements We will gladly explain the technical requirements in detail. Please feel free to contact us. Partners Acrobot is co-produced by V2_ Lab for Unstable Media and Circusstad Festival Rotterdam. Without these invaluable partners, it would not have been possible to initiate this project. An educational programme is currently in development with support from Creative Coding Utrecht. Additional financial support was provided by Amarte and Gemeente Rotterdam. References: Festival International du Cirque, Monte-Carlo TEDx, DE-Hannover Ars Electronica, AT-Linz Spoffin Street arts festival, NL-Amersfoort Circusstad Festival, NL-Rotterdam America's Got Talent, US Makerfair, US