An exhibition at the V&A Dundee explores the evolving relationship between humans and robots. From 1920s sci-fi films to brain-controlled exoskeletons, curator Kirsty Hassard picks five highlights.
Hello, Robot. Design Between Human and Machine looks at how we have perceived and interacted with robots, both in the past and present.
It also examines how they are being increasingly integrated into our personal and professional lives, and the role that designers play in shaping these interactions.
"Robots are part of our everyday and not a moment goes by without new developments in robotic technology," said Hassard.
"How and where we encounter robots, the sort of relationships we form with them, and how we interact with them ? or they with us ? is no longer the exclusive domain of engineers and IT experts," she continued. "Designers are now often at the centre of these decisions." Hassard chose to map out the influence and evolution of robots in four stages. The first focuses on both the science and the fiction surrounding robots and our fascination with artificial humans, and the second explores how robots are used in the workplace.
The third section then explores robots as household helpers and digital companions, while the fourth looks at examples of blurred lines between humans and robots.
"This is an exciting time, and the right moment to be asking big questions about the role robots should and will play in all our lives," the c...