Man, woman, robot

A couple looks on during a demonstration of ‘Asimo’ the humanoid robot at the Miraikan National Institute of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo. This research was an ethnographic exploration of how emerging technologies are perceived by their promoters as well as their potential users. Japan ranks first in the world for life expectancy, this longevity coupled with a low birth rate has led to an aging population that is increasingly a cause for concern, with robotics currently being considered as one viable solution. This raises a whole set of practical and ethical considerations that are only just beginning to be explored. By triangulating between online material, laboratory practices and sites of interaction with the public, this project sought to address fundamental questions regarding the future relationship between humans and machines.