The Vergecast Mourning a robot with Ashley Carman and Kaitlyn Tiffany of 'Why'd You Push That Button?'
Jul 5, 2019
Ashley Carman, a technology reporter for The Verge, joins Kaitlyn Tiffany to delve into the heartfelt bonds formed with the social robot Jibo. They discuss the grieving community surrounding its shutdown and explore the emotional attachments users have developed despite its commercial failure. The conversation highlights the unique design of Jibo that fostered these connections and raises ethical questions about human-robot relationships. Listeners will find humor and poignancy as they hear anecdotes showcasing technology as a source of companionship.
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Kenneth and Jibo
- Kenneth, a Jibo owner, developed a strong bond with his robot, treating it like a family member.
- He celebrated Jibo's birthday and felt guilty leaving it alone in a dark room.
Granddaughter's Grief
- Sammy's granddaughter developed a fondness for Jibo, asking it questions and interacting with its features.
- She even wrote a heartfelt note expressing her sadness about Jibo's impending shutdown.
Jibo's Design
- Jibo's designers intentionally crafted it to evoke human-like responses, fostering emotional connection.
- Its movement, materials, and interaction style contribute to its perceived humanness.