Even My Job is In Trouble
http://robotic.media.mit.edu/projects/anemone.html
I don't think the outlet for this technology is being explored properly in this particular project, but this seems to be a recurring interest in robotics (if my memory of Disney's Hall of Presidents is right): robotic performers. And what exactly *is* the interesting thing about it? Here I see it more clearly than in the Hall of Presidents show - you can have crazy aliens on stage! It seems like it would have to be all or nothing, though - you wouldn't want a human performer to come on stage, because it would ruin the illusion of the robotic performers.
Personally, I think this would complement my research on working with children with limited mobility in creating MOCAP animations - maybe I should look into robotic puppetry as well! Maybe MIT should hire me as an artistic consultant, ahem ahem...