Week 3: Robotics + Art

Technology, especially robotics, have been long regarded as a tool used for the advancement of arts. From 3D printers to computer aided drawings, the development in robotics has given artists new ways to envision and create their work. However, we often neglect the effect that art has on robotics. Creative minds are always imagining new ways that robotics can evolve, playing a huge role in shaping the future of robotics. The most prominent way that art influences robotics is through science fiction movies. 

Sci-fi movies are known to depict futuristic technologies that are yet to invented or discovered. While the technologies are often deemed impossible at the time they were introduced, many turned out to be quite feasible as our technology improves, and serve as inspirations to real life inventions. 

Robot Duel in Movie "Robot Jox"

An example of how ideas portrayed in movies inspired scientific mind is through the movie 'Robot Jox'. This movie, along with many others, introduced the idea of robotics to the general public. Generations of children grew up watching giant robots face off one another during battles and fantasizing the possibility of those dramatic duels coming to life one day. 

The Robot by Megabots - MK II

This is reflected in the similarity between the fictional robots and those in real life when technological advancement finally caught up with the imagination of artistic minds. The advancement allows people to make their childhood dream come true - recreating the iconic robot duel seen in numerous movies. The work of screenwriters and movie directors motivates people in pursuing technological advancement and is the driving force behind the improvement in robotics.

Another example of art influencing robotics is how the Iron Man suit as illustrated in comics, printed artwork, and movies, is helping the world rethink armor designs for military usage. It has always been a priority to countries around the world to protect their soldiers during combat using the latest technologies. The suit worn by the fictional superhero has inspired scientists in the US army to approach it from a new perspective, a more high-tech and electronically powered option.

Despite the notion proposed by Walter Benjamin that the mass production of art results in the loss of originality, I do believe that the goal of art is to influence as many people as possible and would be worth sacrificing the 'aura' of the original work if it leads to advancements that will benefit the humankind. 

Citation

Benjamin, Walter. The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. London: Penguin, 2008. Print. 

Iron Man. Dir. Jon Favreau. Prod. Avi Arad and Kevin Feige. By Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum, and Matthew Holloway. Perf. Robert Downey, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Paramount Pictures, 2008. 

"MegaBots." MegaBots. Megabots. Web. 17 Apr. 2016. 

Person, and John Biggs. "A Million Dollar Robot Suit Is Available On." TechCrunch. TechCrunch, 16 Jan. 2014. Web. 17 Apr. 2016. 

Robot Jox. Dir. Stuart Gordon. Prod. Charles Band. Screenplay by Joe Haldeman. Perf. (Gary Graham, Anne-Marie Johnson, Paul Koslo. Trans World Entertainment, 1990. 

"Support Team USA in the Giant Robot Duel!" Kickstarter. Megabots, 18 Aug. 2015. Web. 17 Apr. 2016. 

"US Army Tests Real Life Iron Man Suit." YouTube. The Next News Network, 28 Feb. 2014. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.