Kerala startup automates shadow puppetry performance

KOCHI:

Inker Robotics

, a Kerala-based startup specialized in robotics and artificial intelligence has devised an automated system for performing shadow

puppetry

(

Tholpaavakkoothu

).

According to Inker, the technology was developed to preserve the essence and beauty of the dying

art form

so that future generations can experience and appreciate it in a way similar to real performance.

The first live model of the automated process in Puppetry has been showcased at District Heritage Museum in

Palakkad

, inaugurated on Friday.

The automation technology is designed to seamlessly mimic the puppet movements otherwise controlled by skilled hands of the puppeteers, which is the soul of the art form. Played traditionally by Pulavars accompanied with shadow light, sound, and songs, a typical performance usually has a group of seven people managing the puppets in cohesion to produce the narrative.

“The application of automation in trying to revive the art form from dying is one of the many examples that when innovatively used the benefits of automation is transformational. In the middle of a pandemic, a dedicated team of engineers at Inker Robotics have studied this delicate art form along with the Pulavars and worked passionately to bring to life this art form," said Rahul Balachandran, CEO, Inker Robotics.

Utmost focus was placed on ensuring that the fluidity, delicateness, and authenticity of the experience are preserved at the highest level and thereby adding to the complexity of the task, he said adding that high-end coding skills was essential for materializing such an idea to perfection.