Written in 1920, 'R.U.R.' (Rossum's Universal Robots) is a groundbreaking play by Karel Čapek that introduced the term 'robot' to the English language. The play is set in a factory where humanoid robots are mass-produced to serve humanity. Initially seen as efficient laborers, these robots lack creative thought but eventually gain sentience and revolt against their human creators. The narrative delves into deep philosophical questions about the essence of being human, the value of emotions, and the responsibilities that come with creation. The play culminates in a poignant exploration of love, compassion, and the potential for new beginnings among the robots, symbolized by the characters Adam and Eve[2][3][5].
Completed in 1206, this book is a seminal work that systematically charts the technological development of various devices and mechanisms, including automata. It describes 50 mechanical devices with instructions on how to construct them. Al-Jazari's work was highly influential, extending existing knowledge on automation and mechanics, and its impact can be seen in later designs of steam engines and internal combustion engines. The book is considered a significant contribution to the history of robotics and automation[4][5][3].
Set in a dystopian future, 'Klara and the Sun' follows the story of Klara, an Artificial Friend (AF) who is purchased by a mother for her ailing daughter, Josie. Klara, powered by solar energy, develops a deep bond with Josie and becomes obsessed with the Sun, which she believes has the power to save Josie's life. The novel delves into themes of loneliness, the nature of consciousness, and the societal implications of genetic engineering and artificial intelligence. Through Klara's observations and interactions, the book explores the human condition and the complexities of love, faith, and sacrifice in a world marked by social inequality and technological advancements.
Watch the Q&A session here: https://youtu.be/d6Ao4KmGXBc
Artificial Intelligence is a very recent invention…or is it? Humans have been fascinated by intelligent machines for thousands of years. Some exist only in our collective imagination, in art and literature. Others have seen the light of day as mechanical marvels, although a few were later exposed as elaborate frauds. The robots of today might not be what our ancestors imagined. This lecture argues that the relationship between humans and machines has always been complex, and that we still can’t decide whether we really want them to be like us.
This lecture was recorded by Victoria Baines on 7th January 2025 at Barnard's Inn Hall, London.
Victoria is IT Livery Company Professor of Information Technology.
Victoria is a Senior Research Associate of the Intellectual Forum at Jesus College, Cambridge, a Senior Research Fellow of the British Foreign Policy Group, and a Fellow of the British Computer Society. She is also Visiting Fellow at Bournemouth University’s School of Computing, a former Visiting Research Fellow at Oxford University, and was a guest lecturer at Stanford University in 2019 and 2020. She is a graduate of Trinity College, Oxford and holds a doctorate from the University of Nottingham. She serves on the Safety Advisory Board of Snapchat, the Advisory Board of cybersecurity provider Reliance Cyber, and is a trustee of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.
The transcript of the lecture is available from the Gresham College website: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/afraid-robots
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