Week 3: Robotics and Art

    Many would call the current advancements of Artificial Intelligence, genetic engineering, and even robots the fourth industrial revolution (McGinnis). As these advancements, however, are on the verge of being heavily incorporated into everyday life and society such as in the infamous ChatGPT artificial intelligence program, it is imperative that we understand their pros and cons. Furthermore, understanding how this phenomenon exhibits a synthesis of Art and Robotics would only allow us to be more appreciative of its presence.


Editorial cartoon: ChatGPT

ChatGPT Editorial Cartoon from Dallas Daily News

    Maša Jazbec, in this week’s lecture, explained to us that the first conceptions of robots were exhibited in books and movies far before the idea was taken into a laboratory for the purpose of construction (Jazbec). This is a common phenomenon in today’s society, where popular culture puts forth a far-fetched idea that is later taken up and accomplished. 

One of my favorite movies growing up, Iron Man, introduces J.A.R.V.I.S., an artificial intelligence system designed by Tony Stark that later controls his Iron Man suit and body armor (Marvel Fandom). Maybe sometime in the near future, first responders will be equipped with gear semi-inhabited by artificial intelligence which would enhance their decision-making abilities. In another movie, WALL-E, the main robotic character is powered by artificial intelligence and remains on Earth to clean it while humans escape living on starships in the sky. The idea that robots not only have some sort of technology but also have room for emotional capacity was introduced, which paves the way for future technological considerations (New World AI). 


Artificial Intelligence in Marvel: The Comics' Take on Digital Assistants - Novatio SolutionsJ.A.R.V.I.S. and Tony Stark from Novatio Solutions


Although the mass production of robots to help assist society in everyday life and tasks seems appealing at first, Walter Benjamin warns that this type of reproduction causes the loss of the elements that make art unique (Benjamin). Rodney Brooks, in a Ted Talk, claims that we must be aware that robots may be able to replace humans in everyday life if artificial intelligence becomes too advanced (Brooks). Robots certainly have the potential to bring about the opportunity, however, the possibility of negative outcomes that outweigh the positive certainly remains.


The Future of Robots Taking Over Fast Food Chains Cartoon

                    Robots Take Over Fast Food from Bold Business


Sources


1. “Anthony Stark (Third A.I.) (Earth-616).” Marvel Database, https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Anthony_Stark_(Third_A.I.)_(Earth-616). 


2. Benjamin, Walter. “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction.” Walter Benjamin, Schocken/Random House, www.marxists.org/reference/subject/philosophy/works/ge/benjamin.htm.


3. Brooks, Rodney. “Transcript of ‘Robots Will Invade Our Lives.’” TED, 2003, www.ted.com/talks/rodney_brooks_robots_will_invade_our_lives/transcript.


4. Jazbec, Maša. “Arts and Robotics.” DESMA9- Art, Science, and Technology. DESMA9- Art, Science, and Technology. Zoom, Zoom.


            5. McGinnis, Devon. “What Is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?” The 360 Blog from Salesforce, 5 Feb. 2021, www.salesforce.com/blog/what-is-the-fourth-industrial-revolution-4ir/.

            6. Mussem. “Wall-E.” New World : Artificial Intelligence, 3 June 2020, https://www.newworldai.com/wall-e/. 


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