As an engineering student here at UCLA, I am required to
take an engineering ethics course. Interestingly many of the topics discussed
in this Desma class have overlapped with our ethics class. Although the two classes
emphasize slightly different points, both draw on historical events to explain
current phenomenon (Weltman). One common theme is that scientific progress
propels artistic invention. For example, with the advent of machines and assembly
line came this idea that humans were being replaced by machines. This inspired
works such as Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein
and movements such as the Futurists (Geoghegan).
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Contemporary culture has also recently begun highlighting
the next generation of technology. Movies like Her or Big Hero 6 show
what life may be like in the future and introduce the topics into society to
prepare us for what is possible. Children’s movies especially can inspire the
younger generation to take part in the advancement of robotic technology. These
movies can also spark innovation for new ideas and take technology to new
levels based on stories inspired by a writer’s imagination. In this way both
science and art are drawing on each other to move forward.
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Robots are one hot area of technological development. Previously
they have been used to clean houses and do simple tasks but more recently they
have taken on a life-like form and can function as pets, caretakers, and partners (May). As
robots become more life-like there is some artistic beauty in the product that
is developed. What is seen as beautiful to humans must also appear in the
design of the robot and scientists and artists must work in harmony to put out
a winning product. There is even an art show dedicated to the aesthetics of
robots that demonstrate emotion and consciousness (ArtBots).
Isaac Asimov most famously wrote the three laws of robotics
(Isaac Asimov). As robots because more commonplace it will be interesting to
see how well these are followed. Robots have the potential to help many and
become the next automobile in terms of the Futurist manifesto, but they also
have the possibility of destruction and manipulation.
"ArtBots
Gent, the Robot Talent Show 2011." ArtBots: The Robot Talent Show. N.p.,
2011. Web. 15 Apr. 2015.
Geoghegan,
Tom. "Frankenstein: 10 Possible Meanings." BBC News. N.p., 14 Mar.
2011. Web. 15 Apr. 2015.
"Isaac
Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics", Auburn University, 2001. Web. 15 Apr. 2015.
May, Kate.
"9 Covetable Characters That Blur the Line between Robot, Pet and
Friend." TED Blog 9 Covetable Characters That Blur the Line between Robot
Pet Andfriend Comments. TED, 10 Apr. 2013. Web. 15 Apr. 2015.
Weltman,
Gershon, “Computing and Society I”, University of California Los Angeles, 2015,
Print. 15. Apr. 2015.
I agree with you that robots are important in our technological development, since they have been a reality on factory assembly lines for many years. But it is only relatively recently that robots have become advanced enough to penetrate into home and office settings.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you brought up Frankenstein because in my Makeup for the Stage class we have talked about the Frankenstein makeup as being a defining moment in the art of makeup. It reminds me of the film "Harry and the Hendersons" because Harry's (big foot) face has little sensors in it that are controlled by remotes. There was a team in charge of Harry's emotions because his eyebrows, cheeks, and mouth movements were controlled by these remotes.
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