Tiffany Shlain is a multidisciplinary artist and Emmy-nominated filmmaker, best known for founding the Webby Awards. Ken Goldberg is an award-winning roboticist and professor at UC Berkeley. Together, they explore their artistic collaborations and the intersection of art and technology. They discuss the impact of their family legacies on innovation, their groundbreaking projects like 'Dendrofeminology,' and the ethical challenges in AI and robotics. Their conversation weaves together personal stories and reflections on creativity, nature, and a hopeful future for technology.
Tiffany Schlain and Ken Goldberg's artistic collaboration blends technology and art, exemplified by their installation addressing ecological themes.
Ken Goldberg's familial legacy of innovation has profoundly influenced his career in robotics, merging engineering with artistic exploration for over three decades.
Both artists stress the need for ethical considerations in robotics and AI development, advocating for informed engagement rather than fear-driven discourse.
Deep dives
The Artistic Collaboration of Tiffany Schlain and Ken Goldberg
Tiffany Schlain and Ken Goldberg are recognized for their fruitful artistic partnership, blending their unique backgrounds to create compelling work. Schlain, an acclaimed filmmaker and artist, is known for her innovative perspectives on technology and humanity. Goldberg, a distinguished roboticist and engineer, combines engineering principles with artistic exploration. Their latest collaboration, 'Ancient Wisdom for a Future Ecology,' showcases this synergy through a multifaceted installation that addresses crucial environmental themes.
Ken Goldberg's Legacy of Innovation
Ken Goldberg has contributed significantly to the fields of robotics and engineering, drawing inspiration from a family legacy of invention. With 13 patents to his name, he reflects on the influence of his grandparents and father, all of whom were innovators in their respective fields. Goldberg's work, from developing algorithms for robotic part orientation to coining the term 'cloud robotics,' exemplifies a lifelong dedication to the intersection of technology and art. His experiences, starting from a young age and evolving through academic exploration, have shaped his remarkable career trajectory.
The Role of AI and Human Collaboration
Goldberg's recent experiments with AI, particularly with systems like ChatGPT, showcase a shift in his perspective on artificial intelligence. Initially a skeptic, he now recognizes AI's potential for creativity when combined with human insight. This partnership framework encourages users to actively engage with AI, pushing boundaries and creating innovative outcomes. The dialogue between humans and AI is increasingly seen as a collaborative tool, emphasizing the importance of strategic prompts and creative direction.
Themes of Time and Ecology in Their Art
The installation 'Ancient Wisdom for a Future Ecology' delves into how trees communicate historical and ecological narratives through their rings. The artists use salvaged wood to create sculptures that prompt visitors to reflect on environmental awareness and the passage of time. Each tree ring represents not only a physical timeline but also invites contemplation on individual and collective memories tied to nature. This unique approach encourages audiences to appreciate trees as witnesses to humanity's evolving story across diverse contexts.
Exploring Ethical Considerations in Robotics and AI
Both Schlain and Goldberg underscore the importance of approaching robotics and AI with a sense of responsibility towards ethical implications. They address common fears surrounding the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, advocating for informed, thoughtful engagement with new technologies. Their discussions highlight that while fears about robots running amok are prevalent, practical concerns such as job displacement and equitable technology access deserve equal attention. By fostering curiosity rather than fear, they aim to inspire a balanced discourse on technological advancement.
Tiffany Shlain is a multidisciplinary artist, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, national bestselling author, and the founder of the Webby Awards. Ken Goldberg is the William S. Floyd Distinguished Chair in Engineering at UC Berkeley and an award-winning roboticist, filmmaker, and artist. They join to discuss the life they share together and their many artistic collaborations.