week 3: robots + art

             Due to the industrial revolution, labor has experienced a wave of mechanization in an effort to meet demands of a growing population and economy (Vesna 2023). Alongside this, mechanization has contributed to the growing interest and investment in the creation of AI and the cyborg. Professor Vesna defines the cyborg as the convergence of the “electronic, robotic, and biological” (Vesna 10:36). 

Ex Machina (2014) is a film directed by Alex Garland that demonstrates the intersection between AI and robotics, and how this comes into play in an increasingly digital world. The premise of the film underscores the fine line between AI and human consciousness. Using the Turing test as foundation, Caleb (played by Domhnall Gleeson) must determine if cyborg Ava (played by Alicia Vikander) displays a sense of consciousness different than that of AI. This is a perplexing task that gives rise to a sense of apprehension regarding Ava and her intentions; though she has human features and displays seemingly ‘human’ emotions, there is still the fact that she is man-made. As the film progresses, Caleb displays many emotions – such as discomfort, curiosity, and even love – towards Ava as he inquires about her. 


“Ex Machina | Official Trailer HD | A24.” YouTube, YouTube, 3 Mar. 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bggUmgeMCdc.

This film is only one of many that elucidate the tumultuous feelings and understandings surrounding the rise of AI and robots. Others include Terminator, I, Robot, and Wall-E. These films demonstrate that the increase in AI and robots has resulted in various emotions – ranging from concern, fear, and optimism.

 

Liptak, Andrew. “Terminator Will Return in 2019 with the Help of James Cameron.” The Verge, The Verge, 27 Sept. 2017, https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/27/16374734/terminator-sequel-release-date-2019-james-cameron-tim-miller-movie.

For starters, according to a research study by PEW Research, around 48% of people shared the concern of AI and robots replacing them in the workforce (Smith and Anderson 2014). This does not seem outlandish, especially with the rise of things like mobile ordering. On the other hand, the same study demonstrates that 52% of individuals have faith that AI will increase employment (Smith and Anderson 2014). 

Further, there is – like Caleb – a sense of discomfort surrounding the topic; it feels really weird to know that these machines have the capacity to look human, but contain a vast amount of knowledge about us (O’Sullivan 2015).  Because of their rapid development, there lies the fear the robots will surpass humanity, effectively taking over (Schmelzer 2019). 


“Sophia.” Hanson Robotics, 1 Sept. 2020, https://www.hansonrobotics.com/sophia/.

Ultimately, there are a lot of conflicting emotions with AI. Though it is unclear where our future with AI will take us, it is undeniable that AI is progressing at an alarming rate. 



Citations 

Garland, Alex, director. Ex Machina. Universal Studios, 2015. 

O'Sullivan, Michael. “Why Are We Obsessed with Robots?” The Washington Post, WP Company, 10 Apr. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/why-are-we-obsessed-with-robots/2015/04/30/d34ae1c8-eaa7-11e4-9767-6276fc9b0ada_story.html.

Schmelzer, Ron. “Should We Be Afraid of Ai?” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 12 Oct. 2022, https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/2019/10/31/should-we-be-afraid-of-ai/?sh=31cbbb7b4331

Smith, Aaron and Janna Anderson. “AI, Robotics, and the Future of Jobs.” Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech, Pew Research Center, 6 Aug. 2014, https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2014/08/06/future-of-jobs/.

Vesna, Victoria. “Robots + Art Lecture Pt 3.” Bruinlearn, UCLA, 21 Apr. 2023,

https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/160989/pages/unit-3-view?module_item_id=5946326



Image Citations 


“Ex Machina | Official Trailer HD | A24.” YouTube, YouTube, 3 Mar. 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bggUmgeMCdc.


Liptak, Andrew. “Terminator Will Return in 2019 with the Help of James Cameron.” The Verge, The Verge, 27 Sept. 2017, https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/27/16374734/terminator-sequel-release-date-2019-james-cameron-tim-miller-movie.

“Sophia.” Hanson Robotics, 1 Sept. 2020, https://www.hansonrobotics.com/sophia/.

Comments

  1. Molly Renner April 23, 2023 at 4:47 PM

    Hi Kylie!! I really enjoyed reading your blog post for week 3!! I found it very interesting when you explain the connection between robots and AI in Ex Machina (2014). You continued to note what the industrialization has done to our world and what It will continue to do. After you discussed that "around 48% of people shared the concern of AI and robots replacing them in the workforce" it made me realize that as I grow older and the world becomes more industrialized will I have the opportunity to do the career I've wanted to do my whole life. Good Job!!

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