The Human Robot
The Human Robot investigates the interface between biological and mechanical intelligence through interviews with sociologists, roboticists, ethicists, and philosophers. Questioning “how much of a human is too human?” regarding robot design, the movie primarily discusses the Japanese culture’s positive attitude toward technology in contrast to the Western culture’s general aversion to machines that are intelligent.
The filmmakers exhibited a variety of intelligent robots, including the entertaining and intelligent automatons of Tokyo’s Robot Restaurant, the dog-like Aibo pet robot, and the hyper-real Geminoids that closely resemble humans. Androids are portrayed to be quite common in Japanese society, they are employed as receptionists, retail clerks, and even news reporters.
Robot sociologist Naho Kitano explains that the Japanese consider technology to have a positive effect on life, in contrast, Westerners tend to perceive robotics as having a religious bent. While the Japanese have a less propensity to consider robotics to be in conflict with nature or God, they still have a preference for their creations. We are informed that Aibo robots that serve as pets are “empowered” and when their bodies fail to function properly, a ceremony that involves chanting and drums is typically held in order to remove the “soul,” this is typically followed by the repurposing of any remaining parts.
Other AI experts have contributed to the discussion of the potential for robots to assist in homes, hospitals, museums and transit hubs, as well as in early learning classes that utilize childlike robots to promote motor and social skills. Hiroshi Ishiguro, the creator of the Geminoid “twins” that resemble him and his fellow researchers, displays a model that encourages viewers to touch her, reassures them that she is not dangerous, and even asks them what it is like to touch her. Despite her slow movements and noticeable rubber skin, she has an inquisitive nature and appears to have some degree of consciousness (she identifies herself as a “female android”). All of this makes it easy to understand how humans can bond with their robot companions.
Both visually and intellectually compelling, The Human Robot presents a promising view of artificial intelligence by examining the ethical and philosophical issues surrounding intelligent machines.
