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Robots and AI in Science Fiction: What can we learn for Robotics, Interaction Design and AI2026HT, 7.5 creditsFull
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Course plan
No of lectures
6-9 seminars (exact number depends on number of participants)
Recommended for
The course is interdisciplinary. It is mainly intended for PhD students in
cognitive science, computer science, design and related disciplines. PhD
students with a strong interest in Robotics
and AI, but come from other research areas (e.g., STS, gender studies, or
applications of AI/robots in education, healthcare, etc.), are also very
welcome.
The course was last given
VT24
Goals
This course is designed to prepare Ph.D. students to engage in meaningful
research at the intersection of robotics, ethics and technology perception and
depiction in science fiction.
1. Cinematic Analysis: To critically analyze the influence of science fiction
movies on public perceptions of robots, examining how various depictions have
shaped societal attitudes.
2. Research Gap Identification: To identify research gaps in the fields of
human-robot interaction, robotics ethics, and technology perception, derived
from the analysis of cinematic
representations.
3. Synthesis of Literature and Film: To synthesize existing literature with
film analysis to propose meaningful research questions that bridge the realms
of science fiction and reality.
4. Contributions to the Field: To develop a substantial deliverable, such as a
research proposal, position paper, or user study, aimed at contributing to the
ongoing academic discourse on the
depiction of robots and AI in the popular culture and how this shapes our
expectations.
Prerequisites
Some background/interest in cognitive science, philosophy, HRI, HCI, and/or AI.
Organization
This online course comprises a series of engaging lessons (approximately every
two weeks) that encourage interdisciplinary thinking and research skills
development.
During the lesson, one or two students will present the cinematic analysis of
two movies based on a given schema. Then we will have group discussions based
on the presentations and collect ideas for the final deliverable.
Between lessons, students will watch the two movies that will be presented in
the next lesson.
Content
Throughout the course, students will:
- Explore the evolution of robot portrayals in cinema, from classic to
contemporary examples.
- Delve into the ethical dilemmas raised by cinematic robots, considering
societal fears and aspirations.
- Investigate how movies influence public perception of real-world robotics,
affecting human-robot interaction research and technology adoption.
- Work collaboratively to identify gaps in current literature, ultimately
crafting research questions that contribute to the field.
- Produce a significant deliverable that advances our understanding of the
social role of robots, informed by cinematic representations.
Literature
Amongst others the following research articles will be discussed:
Rosenthal-Von Der Putten, A., Strasmann, C., & Mara, M. (2017). A long time ago
in a galaxy far, far away... the effects of narration and appearance on the
perception of robots. RO-MAN
2017 - 26th IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive
Communication, 2017-Janua, 1169–1174.
https://doi.org/10.1109/ROMAN.2017.8172452
Weiss, A., & Spiel, K. (2022). Robots beyond Science Fiction: mutual learning
in human–robot interaction on the way to participatory approaches. AI and
Society, 37(2), 501–515.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-021-01209-w
Mara, M., & Appel, M. (2008). Science fiction reduces the eeriness of android
robots: A field experiment. Computers in Human Behavior, 24(6),
2475–2476.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2008.03.008
Lectures
Introduction
Cinematic Analysis Lessons for example on the following topics (can also be
guided by the students interest):
- Sound and movement design of humanoid (C3PO) and non-humanoid robots (R2D2,
BB8)
- Levels of autonomy and applications (Star wars droids, Wall-E, Chappie)
- Morality and Ethics: lying and thieving AI agents (HAL9000, Andor robot,
Robot and Frank, Chappie)
- Social Status of Robots and Robot Rights: Servants or Human Equals?
Bladerunner, Chappie, Wall-E, Star Wars robots, Star Trek (Data)
- Swarm Intelligence and how this impacts interaction and trust (Her,
Andromeda)
- Relationships with AI agents (companions, children, partners): Robot and
Frank, AI, Her
- Differences in cultural depictions of robots and AI: not in every culture
there is the fear of robots taking over the world (Baymax, Next Gen)
Deliverable Discussion
Deliverable Finalization
Examination
- One mandatory student presentation about two science movies of your choice
either relating to robots or AI
- active participation in seminar discussions
- A one-page summary of the two movies you presented as basis for a joint
deliverable with the course participants (e.g., submission to the HRI or HAI
conference)
Examiner
Franziska Babel
Credits
7.5 hp
Comments
Page responsible: Anne Moe
