The Uncanny Valley: Humans and Robotics

This chapter explores the kinetic sculpture 'Can't Help Myself' by Sun Yuan and Peng Yu, which illustrates the tensions between human perception and lifelike robotics. It discusses the uncanny valley phenomenon, its historical context, and the psychological aversions humans have towards near-human entities, weaving in evolutionary insights and relatable anecdotes. The conversation touches on childhood fears, interspecies relationships, and the complexities of attraction to non-human figures, blending humor with profound observations on human behavior.