Unit 3: Robotics + Art

Growing up, the SciFi realm has always fascinated me, and it was quite exciting to learn more about it's history. In this week's lectures, Professor Vesna discusses the numerous ways art has influenced technology, robotics, and the science behind them. Karel Capek's play, R.U.R, introduced and popularized the word "robot." His beautiful creativity directly influenced many scientists today, and without him, "cyborgs" as we know them today would not exist. The most notable influence of art on technology can be seen in the movie Back to the Future Part II. The film has inspired many companies like Nike and Hendo, that have recreated products from the movie. One of the biggest influences can be seen in regards to drones, or as some would say "flying robots." The flying news camera in the movie has directly influenced the explosion of the drone market, and the current use of drones being used to film news footage. 

(News drone from Back to the Future Part II on top, modern day drone on the bottom.) 

I chose to focus on the topic of mass production, because I believe it greatly influences art and our lives. The first form of mass production came in the form of the printing press, brought over to the West by Johannes Gutenberg, 400 years after the Chinese had invented it. The printing press introduced the idea of the assembly line, and Henry Ford was the first to use this idea with regards to automobiles. In Walter Benjamin's "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction," he explains that the mass production of art destroys the idea of uniqueness, originality, or "aura" from that very work. After reading Benjamin's essay, I realized that he was right. Various original Marvel pieces by the legendary Stan Lee are now mass produced and sold at stores like Target and Walmart. The authenticity and creativity is taken out of these works, and they are turned into meaningless prints.

("Here Come the Heroes" Marvel piece, mass produced print that is now sold at Target.) 

Although I agree with Walter Benjamin's stance, I also believe that the aesthetically beautiful combination of robotics and art is one that has many more advantages than disadvantages for society. Industrialization was able to redefine the relationship of art and science, and society has responded very well to it. I believe this combination of robotics and art can be seen in what I believe is the biggest form of mass production: mass media. The art within SciFi movies have inspired scientists to create truly beneficial products, like the cellphone to flying drones. 

(Martin Cooper credited the Star Trek communicator as his inspiration for the design of the first mobile phone)

SOURCES:

"26 years later: Predictions 'Back to the Future' got right and wrong." The Chive. N.p., 21 Oct. 2015. Web. 16 Apr. 2016. 

Benjamin, Walter. "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction." New York: Schocken/Random House, 1936. Print. 

Pascale, Anthony. Dream Cheeky USD Star Trek Communicator fact sheet. Digital image. 9 Feb. 2009. Web. 16 Apr. 2016. 

Risen, Tom. "In 2015, The 'Future' Approaches." US News. US News, 23 Jan. 2015. Web. 16 Apr. 2016. 

Rouse, Margaret. "Drone." Internet of Things Agenda. TechTarget, n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2016

Strauss, Mark. "Ten Inventions Inspired by Science Fiction." Smithsonian. Smithsonian, 15 Mar. 2012. Web. 16 Apr. 2016. 

"Marvel-Here Come the Heroes Poster." Target. Target, n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2016. 

Vesna, Victoria. "Robotics pt1." Cole UC online. YouTube, 15 Apr. 2012. Web. 16 Apr. 2016. 

Vesna, Victoria. "Robotics pt2." Cole UC online. YouTube, 15 Apr. 2012. Web. 16 Apr. 2016.