Robotics + Art

As professor Vesna states, "the dialogue between science, technology, and culture is a two way street." 

The invention of the printing press in 1040 by the Chinese, brought to the West in 1450 by Johannes Guttenberg, revolutionized the way people see the world they live in, ushering the mass production of knowledge and exchange. From this sprouted the age of Enlightenment, which influences a lot of the technology and culture we still see in today's society. For example, Isaac Newton's ideas contributed to mechanics, and we still listen to the classical music of Mozart and Bach.

Nikolas Tesla,  best known for his extensive work in electromagnetism, formed the basis of wireless communication we use today. Tesla Motors, named after the electrical engineer and physicist, designs and manufactures electric vehicles to produce affordable cars. 

Last weekend, I dropped my phone and the screen shattered. Though it was still fairly usable, I was devastated that it broke. I've said before that my phone is like an extension of my arm. My generation in particular has become extremely dependent and attached to their smart phone devices. Nowadays, phones are made to be sleeker and more compact. They can talk to you, act as a GPS, and follow commands, amongst many other things. My supervisor has two phones- one for personal use, and one for work. Though smart phones do not have the physical movement capability of robots, they are constantly developing its technology for higher functionality. 

When I think of Cyborgs, the first movie that comes to mind is the Terminator series. In summary, the movie is about a cyborg assassin sent back in time with a mission to kill a target. His mission is hindered by another human resistance fighter that is sent back in time to protect the target. Though the Terminator has an external tissue that makes him "human," his internal skeleton is fully metal. This movie is a great example of how robots are being developed and viewed as more and more "human." 

David Hanson describes in his TED talk about robots that show emotion, and how robotic science is constantly expanding. He showcases a robot head he has designed, which is able to reflect back to you whatever facial expression you are conveying. 


SOURCES:

"David Hanson: Robots that 'Show Emotion.'" TED Talks. YouTube, Oct. 2013. Web. 20 Oct. 2013.

Terminator Poster Banner. N.d. Photograph. KeyArt Designs. 20 Oct 2013.<http://keyartdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/the-terminator-movie-poster-1020189580.jpg>.

Tesma Motors Banner. N.d. Photograph. Tesla Motors. 20 Oct 2013.<http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2011/10/tesla-model-s-electric-car-photo-h01.jpg>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Robotics pt1." DESMA 9. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAZ8bo9T_Pk>. Lecture. 

Vesna, Victoria. “Robotics pt2.” DESMA 9. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAZ8bo9T_Pk>. Lecture.