A study on improving sound quality of violin playing robot

Abstract

This paper introduces a violin playing robot that imitates the playing technique of human. A violinist learns how to play through an endless practice. A bowing velocity, bowing force, and sound point are important factors in determining the sound quality. Thus, in this paper, the sound quality has been analyzed in the variable speed using the violin playing robot, where an industrial vertical multi-joint robot arm is used. Fast Fourier transform is used to convert the played sound using a 32-bit microcontroller, and then the result is compared to the natural frequency of the G string. In order to measure the contact force of the violin bow, a two-axis load cell is produced and mounted on the bow handle. This paper also studies the impact speed of the bow on the violin. Lastly, this paper concludes with introducing the violin robot system using auditory feedback.