Thibault will first introduce the studio's portfolio – AATB was founded around a strong interest in the diffusion of robotics and automation technologies outside of factory floors. The studio has been exploring and questioning the use of robotics as a creative tool for research and practice in the fields of art, design and architecture, developing along the way the necessary infrastructure and skills to build upon these highly specialised systems. The second part of the masterclass will take place next to their interactive installation «void avoid (return nothing)», which is included in the exhibition, where Thibault will share some insights into the research, development and production of the work, and highlight how new tools are enabling the production processes of the studio.
Andrea Anner and Thibault Brevet – founders of AATB – are artists and designers, both graduates from ECAL. Their ongoing research around human/machine interactions led them to investigate the potential of robotics and industrial automation to exist outside the realm of factory floors. Their artistic practice involves a tight connection and understanding of manufacturing processes, ranging from software programming, electronics to mechanical engineering and precision machining. Reflecting on the dissemination and assimilation of robotics into mundane activities, their work critically explores novel situations arising from these shifts. The studio is based in both Zurich and Marseille.
Their work has been exhibited in institutions such as ZKM (Karlsruhe), V&A (Dundee), Ars Electronica (Linz), Chengdu Biennale (Chengdu), New Museum (New York), Venice Biennale of Architecture, Zollverein (Essen), Unfold X (Seoul), APS Museum (Shanghai), HEK (Basel), Istanbul Design Biennial, Milan Design Week, Museum für Gestaltung (Zürich). AATB have been artists in residence at CERN and at Atelier Luma in Arles. They have been awarded the Swiss Design Award in 2021.
AATB have been teaching in most Swiss Art and Design universities (ZHDK, ECAL, HEAD, FHNW, HKB, SUPSI), as well as internationally: Seoul University of the Arts, Design Academy Eindhoven, HFG Karlsruhe, Iceland University of the Arts, amongst others. They have been lecturing and speaking at conferences internationally: Tokyo, Prague, The Hague, Seoul, Madrid, Berlin, Cannes, Torino.
Lead:
AATB
Thibault Brevet
When?
7 March 2026
noon to 1:30 pm
Where?
Swissnex in San Francisco
Pier 17
Website:
aatb.ch
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Keynote
Exhibition «void avoid (return nothing)»
