DJ console in the smert.ai Hong Kong R&D lab

    Live project — Hong Kong R&D Lab

    Training our Cobot to DJ

    A SMERT Cobot learning to operate a professional DJ console — from physics simulation to the real deck — at our Hong Kong R&D lab.

    The lab today

    Real photos from the lab bench, where the Cobot's next skills are taking shape.

    Professional DJ console and espresso machine on the lab bench at the smert.ai Hong Kong R&D lab
    The DJ console on the lab bench — beside the espresso station for the future hospitality scenario.
    Close-up of the espresso machine with the DJ console on the lab bench behind it
    The espresso station and the console share the bench — the future hospitality and DJ scenarios side by side.
    Rear connection panel of the DJ console
    The rear panel: power, USB for the control link, and audio outputs to the lab sound system.
    Angled view of the DJ console rear panel and audio connectors
    Audio connections that feed the lab's speakers while the Cobot mixes.

    How it learns

    Mixing is a craft: beatmatching, phrasing, transitions. Our Cobot learns the technique step by step — safely, in simulation, then on the real deck.

    1. Physics simulation first

    Every move is rehearsed in physics simulation before the Cobot ever touches hardware. The console's pads, faders, knobs and jog wheel are modelled in software, and the Cobot practices pressing, sliding and rotating against measured forces.

    2. Voice command interface

    The whole lab runs on voice. Say a command and the Cobot starts, stops or changes what it is doing — with spoken confirmation back. Safety commands work instantly, without the wake word.

    3. Validated on the real deck

    Capabilities move from simulation to the real console only after they pass step-by-step validation: pads on cue, faders to position, knobs turned, then a short beat-timed routine. We publish results as each capability is proven.

    Status: in training

    The Cobot has not yet performed live. Capabilities move to the real console only after each one passes validation — and we publish results as they are proven.

    Try the simulator

    Pioneer DJ and XDJ-RX3 are trademarks of AlphaTheta Corporation. illy and FrancisFrancis are trademarks of illycaffè S.p.A. The equipment shown is used at our lab as research and training equipment. smert.ai is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by these companies.