Doumo Robotics & Art

     Robotics has long been a topic of interest and conflict. Since the introduction of the printing press in 1400s, western civilization has made huge leaps in the advancement of technology and robotics. Robotics is present in an innumerable amount of various objects and appliances we use daily, from textiles to the manufacturing of automobiles. This technology has not always been used for the greater good, however. Walter Benjamin saw the malice of the robotics industry in its prime during the world wars and in his work, The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, he proclaims that mankind is not mature enough to advance robotics in the right direction and that even the production of non-lethal objects, we lose a sense of aesthetic originality since each product is but one of millions of copies.

     Indeed western civilization has seen great strides in both directions of the use and misuse of robotics. It makes our lives run more smoothly and efficiently, but many people fear that with more and more advancements and complexities in robotics and artificial intelligence, there might be a chance that it could get out of hand and cause, say, a robot revolution enslaving the human race as depicted in many western films. On the other hand, movies such as WALL-E show a more delicate side to artificial intelligence, giving the robots human characteristics or love, fear, and sympathetic cooperation.

     Continuing the friendly aspect of robotics, Japan has a much different view of the use of robotics. Whereas western civilization has more robotics in manufacturing that look to do the task they are created for such as an arm to manufacture cars, Japan uses more humanoid androids to interact with the public. Machiko Kusuhara shows us that the Japanese people have advanced many of their robotics and artificial intelligences to serve less as mindless servants, but more as helpful companions, with friendlier appearances and language to appease the needs and desires of their audiences. They even go as far as being able to play musical instruments!

Sources used:

Benjamin, Walter. The Work of Art in Age of Mechanical Reproduction. Marxists. 1936. N.p. Web. 19 Apr 2015.

Brooks, Rodney.  “Robots will invade our lives.”  Online video clip.  Ted.   Ted, Sep. 2008.  Web. 19. Apr. 2015.

Brunelle, Marcus. "How the Printing Press Revolutionized Humanity." Scientiareview.        Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science. Web. 16 Apr. 2015.   

Kusuhara, Machiko. "Robotics: Machiko Kusahara." YouTube. UC Online Program, 14 Apr. 2012. Web. 16 Apr. 2015.

McGovern, Bridget. "Wall-E: Pixar's Lasting Tribute to the Power of Art." TOR, 19 June 2012. Web. 16 Apr. 2015.