Week 3: Robotics + Art

This week, we studied several things regarding art and industrialization, however one pointI found most interesting was the art of robotics in Japan. Professor Machiko Kusahara guest spoke in our lecture, and we were able to learn more about the Japanese fascination with robotics, and how much art and science both go into their creations.


In the lecture, “Professor Machiko Kusahara on Japanese Robotics”, Kusahara stated, “We have some interesting instances in Japan; and one thing is, when it comes to robotics,the engineers have always been interested in making humanoids. So that is very different, generally speaking, from the industrialization in America and Europe from an industrial point of view,” (Kusahara 1:12). She further explains that Japan has what we may think of as “normal” robots as well, those that help with efficiency and production, yet engineers always have the desire to create humanoids, even if they don’t have a huge purpose. 



   

Kushara stated that Japan puts great emphasis on their humanoids being used as “helpers”, such as elderly assistance or physical therapists. Due to the “human” aspect of these given roles, the Japanese find importance in making the robots look friendly, reliable, and trustworthy. This may seem silly and like a waste of time, that is putting in time and effort to make robots look friendly, but it actually comes from a place of advancement, opportunity and security. In the article “In Japan, humanoid robots could soon become part of the family”, it states, “The Japanese believe that Westerners view robots with great suspicion, as job killers or dehumanizing machines. If, in Western pop culture, the image of the terminator robot is pervasive, then in Japan the image is of a robot as savior. After the destruction of World War II, recovery and rebuilding the nation were heavily tied to modern technology and robotics. In postwar Japan, robots came to be depicted as human-like, kind, friendly superheroes,” (Lobel). This can be seen greatly through the cartoon figure “Astro Boy” who was mentioned both in lecture and in several sources I read. Astro Boy was a robotic superhero in post WWII Japan that helped the people recover from nuclear destruction. This example is what sets Japan apart from other industrial countries developing robotics, as their past actually influenced the unique and artistic advancements, especially in humanoid robots.



           

Photo citations

“Astro Boy.” Robot Supremacy Wiki, robotsupremacy.fandom.com/wiki/Astro_Boy. 

“Japanese Robotics Lag as AI Captures Global Attention.” TechJuice, 10 Mar. 2023, www.techjuice.pk/japanese-robotics-lag-as-ai-captures-global-attention/. 

“A Role for Robots in Caring for the Elderly.” TR Newswire RSS, newswire.telecomramblings.com/2016/05/role-robots-caring-elderly/. 

Rutkin, Aviva. “Baxter Robot Beats Humans at Noughts and Crosses by Multitasking.” New Scientist, New Scientist, 16 Apr. 2019, www.newscientist.com/article/mg23231030-300-baxter-robot-beats-humans-at-noughts-and-crosses-by-multitasking/. 

Saiidi, Uptin. “Here's Why Japan Is Obsessed with Robots.” CNBC, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2017, www.cnbc.com/2017/03/09/heres-why-japan-is-obsessed-with-robots.html. 

Website/Lecture Citations

“Guide to Robots & AI in Japan: History, Types & Companies.” Interac Network -, 4 Oct. 2022, interacnetwork.com/robots-in-japan/. 

“In Japan, Humanoid Robots Could Soon Become Part of the Family.” Freethink, 28 Jan. 2023, www.freethink.com/robots-ai/humanoid-robots-japan. 

“Japanese Robots.” Encyclopedia of Japan, doyouknowjapan.com/robots/. 


Kusahara Machiko. “Professor Machiko Kusahara on Japanese Robotics.” DESMA8, accessed 19 April. 2023, University California Los Angeles. Lecture

Mirenfred, director. Dirk the Homeless Robot. YouTube, YouTube, 7 Sept. 2008, www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HfmKXfp394. 


Comments

lexi wright said…
Hi Tessia, I thought your week 3 blog post was very well done! I found it very interesting reading about the art of robotics in Japan and how the engineers make humanoids. That shocked me, but I found it really cool to read about and see the view of robotics in different countries and how engineers function. It was crazy to read how these robots are able to be kind of “care takers” to humans and assist them. Overall, I thought you took a different approach and that it was very well done. I really enjoyed reading your blog!
April 20, 2023 at 6:19 PM
Jack Holman DESMA 9 said…
I think your explanation of the Astro Boy robot in Japan was interesting. It is interesting how a robot cartoon helped the people of Japan recover from the events of WWII. It is also fascinating how engineers in Japan tend to make their humanoid robots appear friendly and kind, despite the seeming lack of importance or effectiveness it has on the robots performance. Like you mentioned, this seems to create a more accepting culture surrounding robots.
April 24, 2023 at 9:50 AM
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