AI & Society Robotics & Embodiment

This is a free online event.

Some of the computer scientists involved in robotics, such as Rolf Pfeifer and Josh Bongard, are inspired by biology and emphasise the significance of physical systems (the body) to better understand ‘intelligence’. They explore ‘how having a body affects intelligence’. This perspective on ‘embodied intelligence’ could resonate to some degree with the interdisciplinary field of body studies which considers ‘how the body shapes the way we think’ (Pfeifer & Bongard) or what the body can do. Common to biological inspired robotics and body studies is the challenge to ‘cognitivism’ along with the rejection of neuroreductionism. Embodiment in social sciences often implies a process of acquisition of tacit knowledge and techniques, which are often required through repetitive training and experience. This is ‘embodied knowledge.’ Embodied knowledge is a crucial property not only for craftmanship, but also for producing artistic work, such as drawing. The coupling of artificial intelligence and art today, especially ‘algorithmic art’ is now a common production process, which brings about interesting challenges. One of the most fascinating examples of this trend is trying to transfer the ‘embodied knowledge’ of human artists into a machine, such as a robot. In this context, we can see the robot as a platform. We therefore need to consider the meaning and validity of ‘having a body’ in order to explore the ways robotics can give rise to an interplay between biology and technology in developing machines with artificial intelligence.

Speakers

Professor Fumiya Iida, University of Cambridge

Professor Yukie Nagai, the University of Tokyo

Professor Frederic Fol Leymarie, Goldsmiths, University of London

Discussant

Professor Shunji Yamanaka, the University of Tokyo

Convened and Chaired by

Dr Tomoko Tamari (Institute for Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship, Goldsmiths, University of London)

• This is an online event. Registered attendees will be sent a Zoom link via email nearer to the time of the event.

• Full programme details will be available in due course.

(AI and Society Series: https://www.tomokotamari.com/ai-and-society-series)