Week 3 Robotics + Art

I found Professor Machiko Kusahara’s lecture on Japanese robotics to be very interesting. Kusahara explains how Japan and American hold different interpretations of what robots should be like. She believes that America sees robots as mechanical toys whereas the Japanese see robots as equivalent to humans. They believe that robots should hold human like characteristics and emotions. Although the Japanese may have envisioned the future of robotics sooner than American, industrialization and mechanization has allowed American to approach robotics and art in a new and innovative way. Through design, robots are becoming less of a mechanical toy and more of a normal aspect of society.

Now, robotics has reached a whole new level regarding art. Japan recently released one of their most intelligent robots, Erica. Erica is practically a human. She has distinctive facial features and can communicate with humans. When Erica talks, her facial expressions change dependent on the context of the conversation. It seems as though robots have become a normal aspect of society. America is approaching the advancements in robotics differently then Japan. American is simplifying the design but upgrading the intellect. 

In the movie Her, Samantha, does not look like a human. Samantha is a simple brown pocket square that Theo carries around and talks to. Samantha serves as a companion to Theo. They share information and have intimate moments. Theo does not see Samantha as a ‘robot.’ 

Through art and science robots prove to be beneficial for society. They will improve society by providing new relationships because they can understand and communicate human-like emotion, relay information and increase mechanization. Donna Haraway believes that robots will lead to a world where gender is obsolete. This can only happen if women become more techsavy. Cyber feminism could be good for women, as they would no longer have to deal with gender stereotypes. However prevalent robots become within society, they do not come without detrimental effects as well.

Another interesting topic from this week was how science influenced the reproduction of art. 3D printers are machines that are rapidly increasing in popularity. 3D printers are advancing the meaning of replication. Instead of simply creating a flat replication of a painting, a 3D printer is able to copy the bumps and marks from actual painting giving it a more realistic and authentic feel. Advancements in science are contributing to new technology that collaborates with art. Whether or not this is killing the aura of authenticity is up to the person who buys and holds the duplicate.

Resources: 

1. Davis, Douglas. “The Work of Art in the Age of Digital Reproduction (an Evolving Thesis: 1991-1995)”. Leonardo 28.5 (1995): 381–386. Web…

2. Benjamin, Walter. The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. London: Penguin, 2008. Print.

3. Knight, Heather. "How Humans Respond to Robots: Building Public Policy through Good Design." The Brookings Institution. 2014. Web. 12 Apr. 2016 <http://www.brookings.edu/research/reports2/2014/07/how-humans-respond-to-robots>.

4. McCurry, Justin. "Erica, the 'most Beautiful and Intelligent' Android, Leads Japan's Robot Revolution." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 2015. Web. 12 Apr. 2016.

5. "3D Printer Creates Identical Reproductions of Fine Art Paintings." Designboom Architecture Design Magazine 3D Printer Creates Identical Reproductions of Fine Art Paintings Comments. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2016. <http://www.designboom.com/art/oce-3d-printer-creates-identical-reproductions-of-fine-art-paintings-09-30-2013/>.