Human-Robot Dance Wows at Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival

The 16th annual Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) offered no shortage of magical moments, but one performance in particular captured the imagination of children and parents alike. In a dazzling fusion of art and technology, Dutch circus performer Daniel Simu shared the stage with a 3D-printed humanoid robot, mesmerizing the audience with their synchronized dance. Blending mechanical precision with human creativity, Simu’s performance was a spectacular glimpse into a future where imagination and engineering go hand in hand.

Dancing With a Robot: A Performance Beyond Imagination

As upbeat music filled the lively festival space, excitement built among the eager audience. When a human performer and a metallic robot stepped onto the stage together, a sense of wonder swept through the crowd. Their routine, titled “Dancing With a Robot,” was unlike anything seen before. Moving flawlessly in rhythm, Daniel and his creation captivated spectators with a choreography that erased the line between human and machine.

The robot, known as “Acrobot,” executed complex stunts, twists, and dance moves with mechanical grace, making it easy to forget that it was following a pre-programmed routine. Every movement, synchronized with Daniel’s acrobatics, created the illusion of intelligence, drawing gasps and cheers from the spellbound crowd.

The Visionary Behind the Show: Daniel Simu

At the heart of this unforgettable performance is Daniel Simu, a 33-year-old circus artist from the Netherlands who has mastered not just acrobatics, but the world of robotics as well. “I am an acrobat first, and a robot maker second,” Daniel proudly stated.

Simu’s journey into robotics began during the global pandemic when live performances came to a halt. Refusing to let lockdowns stifle his creativity, Daniel dove into learning new skills. With no formal training, he taught himself 3D printing, mechanical design, and programming through endless hours of online research, trial, and error. Out of this intense period of self-education emerged Acrobot—a 3D-printed humanoid robot capable of performing a full routine alongside him.

Acrobot: Celebrating Mechanics, Not Hiding Them

Acrobot is no ordinary robot. Unlike humanoid designs that aim to mimic human appearance, Daniel intentionally crafted Acrobot to highlight its mechanical essence. Wires, gears, and motors are fully visible, presenting a raw, authentic machine aesthetic that draws attention and provokes curiosity.

“I wanted something that looked like a machine, not a person,” Daniel explained after the show. “Seeing the mechanics sparks curiosity.” Indeed, the transparent design choice didn’t just make Acrobot visually unique—it made it an educational tool, inviting audiences to wonder about its inner workings.

Although Acrobot cannot sense its environment in real-time—it cannot see, hear, or adapt—it still appeared remarkably lifelike. The illusion was the result of intricate choreography, perfect timing, and Daniel’s ability to fluidly integrate his own movements with those of his mechanical partner.

Igniting Curiosity Among Young Minds

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of Daniel’s visit to Sharjah was the wave of curiosity his performance ignited among the young audience. After every show, children swarmed the stage, eager to learn how the robot worked. Their questions revealed a surprising depth of technical knowledge, even at a young age.

“I was amazed at how tech-savvy the kids are here,” Daniel said. “Some of them already knew about Arduino boards and 3D printing. That’s rare.”

Children asked detailed questions about the types of motors used, the source of the robot’s power, and the microcontrollers operating its functions. Their excitement underscored the growing importance of STEM education and demonstrated how real-world demonstrations like Daniel’s performance can inspire future innovators.

A Choreography of Grace and Mechanics

While rooted in the discipline of acrobatics, the performance bore all the hallmarks of a carefully orchestrated dance. Daniel and Acrobot moved together with mesmerizing fluidity, weaving elements of salsa, tango, and freestyle into their routine. Every movement, every leap and spin, showcased not just technical skill, but artistic expression.

It was Daniel’s remarkable stagecraft that breathed life into the robot. His intuitive transitions and seamless synchronizations made Acrobot feel more like a partner than a prop. The beauty of their performance lay not just in the spectacle but in the story it told: one of innovation, perseverance, and the magic that happens when technology and humanity come together.

Sharjah: A Stage for Imagination and Innovation

Daniel’s visit to the UAE marked a new chapter in his journey as a performer and innovator. “This is my first time in the UAE,” he shared. “It’s a different rhythm from Europe, but the energy here at the festival—especially from the kids—is incredible.”

Performing twice a day over his three-day appearance, Daniel drew enthusiastic crowds with each show. The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival proved the perfect venue for his futuristic act, offering a platform where creativity, learning, and curiosity thrive. In a cultural landscape increasingly driven by innovation, Daniel’s performance was a natural fit, showcasing how the future of storytelling and education can be enriched by technology.

Building Acrobot: A Lockdown Achievement

The backstory of Acrobot’s creation adds another layer of inspiration to Daniel’s already impressive performance. During the dark days of pandemic lockdowns, when live events and public gatherings were largely shut down, Daniel decided to transform his isolation into innovation.

Without formal engineering education, he taught himself everything he needed to know to bring his vision to life. His first prototype of Acrobot, however, was far from perfect. “My first version fell apart after two shows,” he admitted with a chuckle. But Daniel didn’t view failure as defeat—he saw it as part of the learning process. Through continuous iteration and relentless perseverance, he improved the robot’s durability and performance, eventually creating the resilient and charismatic Acrobot that now dazzles audiences.

Daniel’s story is not just one of technological achievement; it is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of self-motivation.

A New Frontier for Art and Technology

Performances like “Dancing With a Robot” represent an exciting frontier for the future of entertainment and technology. Daniel’s work challenges traditional notions of performance art, offering a new model where mechanical creations are not just tools or props, but partners in storytelling.

By embracing and showcasing the visible mechanics of Acrobot, Daniel offers a refreshing take on how machines can coexist with human artistry. Rather than concealing the robot’s nature, he celebrates it, reminding audiences that beauty can be found in gears, wires, and code just as much as in muscle and motion.

At the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, Daniel Simu and Acrobot delivered more than just an unforgettable show—they presented a vision of future creativity, one where human dreams and technological possibilities dance together in perfect harmony.