How OK Go used robots and mirrors to make 2025’s most incredible music video so far

In a spacious train station in Budapest, on the 37th attempt, a flawless single-take music video was successfully captured, defying expectations with 25 robotic arms moving in perfect synchronization to OK Go’s newest track, “Love.”

The band, renowned for their inventive music videos, particularly known for elaborate choreography filmed in a single take with practical effects and optical illusions, has outdone themselves in this latest project. Combining cutting-edge robotics with creative ingenuity, the result is a mesmerizing visual journey through endless reflections, all achieved without green screens, truly astonishing viewers.

Miguel Espada, co-director of the project alongside Damian Kulash and Aaron Duffy, explains that the video’s central concept was to use mirrors to symbolize various visual effects, portraying reflections as a metaphor for love. The intricate process of creating infinite reflections required precise angles and movements, a challenge overcome with the use of collaborative robots like Universal Robots’ cobots, selected for their flexibility, safety features, and ease of programming.

The complex coordination between human creativity and mechanical precision involved creating a choreography system controlled by a Python controller and OpenFrameworks layer, all synchronized to the beat of the music. Despite facing numerous challenges during filming, including the distinctive movements of the robotic arms and the need for precise timing, the team persevered and ultimately succeeded on the 37th take.

The collaborative effort of over 60 individuals from 10 countries showcased the potential of robots in art, with Espada believing that collaborative robotics will play a significant role in the future. The seamless fusion of advanced technology and human artistry in the final video exemplifies the beauty that emerges when the two work in harmony, culminating in a remarkable achievement that pushes the boundaries of creativity and innovation.