Exploring the Uncanny Valley

This chapter investigates the uncanny valley phenomenon, where nearly human-like entities evoke discomfort and eeriness among observers. Through various cultural studies and psychological insights, it reveals the importance of facial features, particularly eyes and smiles, in shaping human reactions to lifelike robots and animated characters. The chapter also discusses the complexities of conducting research in this area, highlighting both the emotional response to artificial beings and the challenges faced by designers in achieving a balance between realism and comfort.