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believes that robots will lead to a world where gender is obsolete.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/>.
Lena,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post, and specifically how you brought in the Japanese culture's perspective. I also found it interesting that American's view robots so differently then the Japanese view them - as you mentioned we see them more like toys, while they see them as humanistic.
When you described Erica, my initial reaction was that she was really creepy... a robot with facial expressions, which can hold a conversation, and respond appropriately is very unsettling to me. This is perhaps influenced by movies like iRobot and what not...
I'm curious however, if the average Japanese person (not those involved in tech) feel like having humanlike robots is normal.. or if they, like me, are bothered by it.
very interesting post! thanks