Unit 3: Robotics + Art

  

 http://money.cnn.com/gallery/technology/2015/04/29/

ford-factory-assembly-line-robots/3.html

As our world continues to advance technology and research various ways to further industrialization, robotics is playing an integral role in global modernization. One of the earliest noted forms of mechanical production is the printing press— re-invented by Gutenberg, but originating in China (Lecture Part 1). Another equally significant milestone in modernization is Henry Ford’s T-Model. This innovation utilized Ford’s idea of an assembly line that created the opportunity for cars to become available to those who originally could not afford the luxury (Lecture Part 2). This spurred the idea of robotic manufacture, which eventually shifted from humans being treated like machines, to machines replacing humans. The idea of assembly lines and “cookie cutter production” did not sit well with Walter Benjamin who believed that this industrialization would remove the aura of uniqueness, free-expression of creativity, and personality from the production environment; unfortunately, it did (Walter Benjamin).

http://www.forbes.com/forbes/welcome/ 

In an attempt to better acclimate robots into the environment while maintaining creativity, robotic mechanics have been attempting to program robots to embody human emotions. However, humans are becoming drastically more dependent on robots and the modern effect they have on the world. As artificial intelligent robots become the poster children for modernization, the fear of the unknown emerges amongst humans. As robots continue to advance, will they become the next generation of humans? Will we become so dependent we're unable to think and act for ourselves? These types of questions created a fear of industrialization amongst cultures. This fear is frequently portrayed in movies, and because movies have such a popular influence on our cultures today they play a large role in the perception humans have of robotic modernization (Professor Kusahara). 

http://www.cinemablography.org/wall-e.html

One movie in particular that embodies most stereotypes created by movie cultures is Wall-E. This Disney movie shows the threat humans are creating as we increasingly rely on robots to carry out daily responsibilities. In the movies, the robots have become the humans and the humans become mindless copies of each other. The robots have developed personalities, streams of conscious, and will. This movie discretely stresses the importance of developing technological independence, as the world grows increasingly reliant on robots. Although robots are vital in the advancement of technology, productivity, and industrialization, the human population must not allow the aura of intelligence, personality, and creativity to disappear. Unplug every once in a while, appreciate the world around you. 

Notice that even a robot is teaching the children,
there is no longer demand for any person to be employed. http://alf-img.com/show/today-s-assembly-lines.html

http://www.cinemablography.org/wall-e.html

Resources

1. Benjamin, Walter. The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. London: Penguin, 2008. Print.

2. GaryTurkFilm. "Look Up." YouTube. YouTube, 25 Apr. 2014. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.

3. Uconlineprogram. “Robotics MachikoKusahara 1.” YouTube. YouTube, 14 Apr. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2016. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded>.

4. Uconlineprogram. "Robotics Pt1." YouTube. YouTube, 15 Apr. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.

5. Uconlineprogram. "Robotics Pt2." YouTube. YouTube, 15 Apr. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.

6. WALL-E. Dir. Andrew Stanton. By Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, and Jeff Garlin. Prod. Jim Morris. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2008. DVD.