ROBOTS – OUR FUTURE PARTNERS!?

A Comparison Study Between Germany and Japan

Due to the novelty of the topic “Robots for non-professional use”, my work will be:

Rather hypothesis-generating

Questions:

- Possible explanations for Japan’s image as “Robot Kingdom” – and what’s

really behind it (in comparison to Germany) ?

- Analysis of theories about human-object-relations, human-computer-relations,

“communication theories”, placement of artifacts (e.g. Actor-Network-Approaches)

for the case of robots � are robots special?

- Social theories applied on AI / Robotics (e.g. action and communication theories)

- What’s behind the (Japanese) idea of “Partner Robots” and what does this mean

for social sciences? (phenomenon like “benriya”, “primopuel dolls”, AIBO, Robot-

Assisted Therapy (RAT), care for the elderly are also considered)

- “Robots begin to enter our society”: Analysis of projects, purpose, concepts,

dreams & motivations for the creation of “Robots for n-p use”

�WHY build them?

� Concept-Differences Germany – Japan?

� “Postsocial”, “Postbiological”, “Parasocial” ���� machines are regarded as

human-like and humans as machines (e.g. cybernetic models)

Methods:

- Review of literature in the fields of robotics, AI, sociology, psychology and

cultural studies, history (of technology) and philosophy / religion

� Applicability of theories for new situation (explanatory power for observations? )

- Project analysis:

- Some personal interviews with researchers / engineers, museum staff

- Analysis of interviews posted in newspapers / in the Internet

- Personal observations: How robots begin to enter our lives – public events in

Germany and Japan – and how they differ?

- Robots: toys, entertainers, “pet-substitutes”, helpers, “partners”?

- People and Robots

- Survey with AIBOwners in Germany and Japan (why do they have decided

on buying an AIBO, as what do they regard it) (?)

- Online discussions in German AIBO Internet Forum

- Discussions with friends, acquaintances, researchers

- Comparison AIBO Germany and Japan: Administration: e.g. “AIBO-Clinic”,

Owner’s Registration, AIBOwner’s Homepages in Germany and Japan, “AIBO-

Life-Style” Germany and Japan etc. (Online discussions, Internet Forum, own

experience)

““Robotology” Robotology” –– as the intersecting set of different disciplines dealing with as the intersecting set of different disciplines dealing with robotics robotics

Many different disciplines contribute to modern robot research and engineering:

Engineering � Hardware

Computer Science / Informatics

� SoftwareCognitive Science / Neuro-Science / Psychology

� AI, data processing mechanisms

Economics � Marketing, Deployment

Biology � movement mechanisms, ergonomics

Psychology, Sociology

� Interaction, Communication, Deployment,

“Integration”, Consequences

Philosophy, Theology � Critique, Comments, Consequences ?

ROBOT

“embodyment”

analysis

theories

dialogue

“Socionics”

Can machines (robots) be considered as

“acting entities”?

(“Können Maschinen handeln?”)

One question discussed by

Sociologists, Philosophers and “Artificial Life” and “Socionic” Theorists

Can they have

Intentions?

Planning?

Goals?

Due to complexity of the topic, I just jump to the conclusions…

first one needs a robust theory about what is meant by “acting”

(e.g. cybernetic models work for humans and machines)

� discussion in connection to “goals”, “planning”, knowledge, learning

and even “consciousness” makes the problem not necessarily easier…

“von Neumann-type machines” only process (pre)programmed data

� so one should rather speak of a

“human’s transferred / simulated action scheme”

Maybe one should consider robots just as an attempt to make

machines more user-friendly

Interesting: Artificial Neural Networks (mimicking the architecture of the human brain)

���� EMERGENCE, but the problem is still difficult to resolve on an empirical basis

� Simulation-Problem, “Turing Test”

If it looks like “acting”, does it necessarily really “act”?

� What’s behind robot-related fears and enthusiasm

� indicator for social concerns, robot discussion as “eye-opener”? (e.g. in regard to humanism, aging society, change of life-style etc.)

Analysis of further interest:

� The tendency (especially in Japan) towards the usage of robots for

“entertainment” and “companionship”

� new kind of “solitude-deflection” as it has been already discussed in connection

to TV and the Internet � PARASOCIAL INTERACTION ?

(e.g. study: “Einsamkeit in der Mediengesellschaft”; Barbara Mettler-v. Meibom (Hg.))

Parasocial (bidirect.)ParasocialSocial

user: high

entity: low (simulation)

Computer / VR

Phase 3

user: high

entity: high (simulation)?

user: high

entity: none

user: high

entity: high

symmetry

Comm. “partner” “Personal Robot”Radio / TVhuman

Phase 4 (future?)Phase 2Phase 1

(unidirectional)

Time

……what about what about AArtificial rtificial IIntelligence?ntelligence?

A Chess-computer is not regarded as “intelligent”, but an ape defeating a

Human chess champion would be called extraordinary intelligent…

Since an ex ante definition of “intelligence” is difficult – I would consider the following

aspects as relevant in regard to AI and its evaluation:

“AI” is a tool to enable robots

- to autonomously perform in a rather unstructured “every-day” environment

- to be controllable in an easy way (i.e. through human-like comm. forms)

- to adapt to new situations

���� USER FRIENDLINESS

There has been much discussion about the question: where to placThere has been much discussion about the question: where to place e

“interactive artifacts” like robots, “AI“interactive artifacts” like robots, “AI--systems”, agents, avatars etc.?systems”, agents, avatars etc.?

Such artifacts are created with the (long term) goal to communicate with humans,

learn and even simulate emotional expressions…

…so where to place them –

Many theories about the placement of artifacts in the “texture of society” from:

classical view of “mere tools” (e.g. Weber)

symmetric suggestions of “Actor Network Theories”symmetric suggestions of “Actor Network Theories” (Function in Network)

(e.g. Hans Linde, Steve Woolgar, Michael Callon, John Law, Bruno Latour)

Problem:Problem: ASIMO (a robot) on the state visit with P.M. Koizumi

It’s function: “Goodwill Ambassador”

Accepted as such? Maybe not, because it is not human

(“quality” of entity)

…so it may be important to make the analysis in regard to function and “quality”.

�� ““Qualitative ActorQualitative Actor--NetworkNetwork--AnalysisAnalysis””

“somewhere between dead and alive” ?

Robots Entering our LivesRobots Entering our Lives

� “Robot“Robot--Assisted Therapy” (RAT):Assisted Therapy” (RAT):

method used especially in Japan, Sweden and the US.

Used are animal-like “robots” like “Paro” or AIBO in hospitals and care-facilities

as “companions” (similar to “animal therapy” with seemingly similar results).

According to advocates, the robot has advantages to animals:

� No hygiene problem

� It can be fitted with features such as surveillance, bio-control,

communication technology

CRITIQUE: Inhumane and a shift to the “sterile care-service” !?

…and a robot can patiently listen to your complaints…

� “AIBO” (Sony Corporation / Japan)“AIBO” (Sony Corporation / Japan)

Sony never /*officially*/ intended AIBO to be a “pet-substitute”

Nonetheless…

<< Most people name their robots

<< some take them on journeys /*which may sound counter-productive*/

<< some celebrate (family) festivities together with it

<< especially Japanese “AIBOwners” treat their

robots like pets

(or at least are more willing to admit it publicly…)

Picture: AIBO ERS-7 – the only model available in Germany

AIBO is an “Entertainment Robot” commercially available for home use,

created by the Sony Corp. All models are four-legged and vaguely resemble

a “dog”. AIBO is an acronym for AArtificial IIntelligence Robobot and can also

mean “pal” in Japanese = 相棒相棒相棒相棒). It can “communicate”, learn and simulate emotions to a limited extend.

Background picture: © Sony Corporation

� “AIBO” (Sony Corporation / Japan)“AIBO” (Sony Corporation / Japan)

AIBO: The beginning of a new form of relationship?!AIBO: The beginning of a new form of relationship?!

<< In Japan << In Japan AIBOwnersAIBOwners get an ID and “get an ID and “AIBOwner’sAIBOwner’s card” card”

or one can get a “Birth Certificate”) or one can get a “Birth Certificate”)

<< << “ill” robots “ill” robots /*broken robots*//*broken robots*/ are “cared” for are “cared” for /*repaired*//*repaired*/

in soin so--called “AIBOcalled “AIBO--Clinics” Clinics” /*repair shops*//*repair shops*/

(and spare parts should be available for a longer period of time(and spare parts should be available for a longer period of time…)…)

<< There are AIBO “Kennel Clubs”<< There are AIBO “Kennel Clubs”

AIBO may have initiated a kind of LifestyleAIBO may have initiated a kind of Lifestyle--Phenomenon”…Phenomenon”…

<< << AIBOwner’sAIBOwner’s forming Networks (mostly over the Internet)forming Networks (mostly over the Internet)

……Such effects seem to be intendedSuch effects seem to be intended

<< Many German << Many German AIBOwnersAIBOwners show interest in Jap. Popshow interest in Jap. Pop--CultureCulture

<< They organize meetings; “AIBO Town Magazine and Homepage” etc<< They organize meetings; “AIBO Town Magazine and Homepage” etc..

AIBO ERSAIBO ERS--312 & ERS312 & ERS--311311

“Partner Robots”?

A term coined in Japan – Mr. Suzuki, engineer at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

in charge of the “Wakamaru” project has provided an explanation of the term.

„master-slave“ „autonomy“

Communication (high interaction)

Robot as Slave

Robot as ButlerRobot as Friend / Partner

(Tetsuwan Atomu)

Robot as stranger / alien

(Tetsujin 28-go)

Own reconstruction and modification of chart, courtesy Mr. J. Suzuki; picture: www.androidworld.com

Movement (low interaction)

„Wakamaru“

Human

Robot

community of

humans and robots

(„contact“,

interaction)

communication

Affection

(result)

function

Important

for factory

Important

for

home

Human

Robot

communicationorder

INDUSTRY “Partner Robot”

family

partner

friend

fellow human

pet

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

But can people grow too attached towards robots?

There are signs indicating this, at least in Japan…

as a child didn’t want to give up its “PaPeRo” prototype,

or as even grown-up Jap. AIBOwners have presented

“AIBO-doctors” with candy boxes as gifts for “curing their pets…”

This would certainly be something for future

sociological and psychological studies –

but in my view it is not new and not difficult

for people to get attached to (moving and interactive) objects

(e.g studies by Sherry Turkle in regard to computers and computer-toys)

And in how far will people be able to just throw

away a broken robot ?

The few AIBOwners in Germany I have asked this question so far, said that

they would not just throw away a broken AIBO.

Some of them would reuse the hardware for a new robot,

Others would even put their “dead” AIBO on display with a

“death certificate” and reuse the AIBO-ware, which stores the

robot’s “personality”, in a new model

“Western thought”: “the natural” (humanity) is defined by contrasting

nature (humans) against artifacts (non-humans)

/* Although Japan makes a very extended use of industrial robots, many of the

“humanoid projects” rather seem to connect to the tradition of the doll (or automata

� “Karakuri”) */

View of contrasting subject against object seems to be rather absent in Japan

- to the people I asked, such a concept was quite unfamiliar…

In the Western world the machine has established itself as a “philosophical object”

to a much greater extend than in Japan (e.g. Descartes, Hobbes, de la Mettrie)

/* In both, the Western and Japanese tradition, early automata have evolved from the

concept of the doll combined with what was then considered modern mechanics */

Japan: the artificial often regarded as a means to understand and simulate the natural

The Natural and the Artificial “co-exist side by side in harmony” (Kaplan)

e.g.: Frédéic Kaplan: “Who is Afraid f the Humanoid – Investigating Cultural Differences

in the acceptation of robots” (paper; Sony Computer Science Laboratory)

Some (Japanese) concerns:

“Uncanny Valley” (Masahiro Mori): If the robot looks too human-like, it may

become “uncanny” at stage before a 100% natural look

Japanese treat dolls (and certain other objects) in a quite respectful manner

(mistreating a doll is considered cruel and some even fear being cursed by a mistreated doll)

� Same concern might arise in regard to robots ?

� How and as what to treat them?(nicely portrayed in Mamoru Oshii‘s „Innocence“ (animé) and “ANIMATRIX”)

(this doesn’t differ much from some Western concerns, e.g. Frankenstein’s Monster)

“Saya”, Tokyo Science Univ. Right “Actroid”, Kokoro Dreams Jap. Ceremony for old dolls

Different Thoughts: Different Thoughts: GermanyGermany vs. vs. JapanJapan

TheThe machinemachine doesn‘tdoesn‘t cause a cause a

„„downgradingdowngrading“ “ debatedebate

(„(„parallel parallel existenceexistence in in harmonyharmony“ (Kaplan)“ (Kaplan)

�� No posthuman No posthuman debatedebate

In Western In Western traditiontradition thethe machinemachine has ahas a

„„philosophicalphilosophical“ “ qualityquality �� fearfear aboutabout

„„downgradingdowngrading““ thethe human human beingbeing

�� „„Posthuman Posthuman FearsFears““

RobotsRobots shouldshould bebe likedliked �� functionalityfunctionality

oftenoften eveneven regardedregarded as as secondarysecondary

((„„PartnerPartner““))

Robots should be functional, “humanRobots should be functional, “human--likelike

qualities” should only serve userqualities” should only serve user--

Friendliness (“Interface”)Friendliness (“Interface”)

A robot A robot shouldshould bebe moremore thanthan just an just an

assistantassistant �� ConceptConcept of of „„Partner RobotPartner Robot““

A Robot is an assistant at the mostA Robot is an assistant at the most

Robots are not contrasted against Robots are not contrasted against

humans humans –– no subjectno subject--object dichotomyobject dichotomy

((„„JapaneseJapanese havehave nevernever beenbeen ‚‚modernmodern‘“‘“))

Robots are machines and machines

are contrasted against humans & animals

(Latour‘s „Modernity“)

Affinity towards robots notAffinity towards robots not

disencourageddisencouraged throughthrough socialsocial settingssettings

Possessing some form of affinity towards

robots (objects in general) is considered

as rather socially inacceptable behavior

GERMANYGERMANY JAPANJAPAN

“Doll-Curse-Syndrome” � Technology

can be tamed through integration and

“respect”

““Rebelling SlaveRebelling Slave--SyndromeSyndrome” ” �� Once Once

controlled technology gets out of controlcontrolled technology gets out of control

JapanJapan –– TheThe „Robot Kingdom“ !?„Robot Kingdom“ !?

- Japan has at least 4 major (and many minor) projects in the field of

biped-walking „humanoid robots“ running:

What kind of observations lead to this perception?

ASIMO HRP-2 HOAP-2 PINO QRIO Toyota Humanoid

Honda Motors AIST, NEDO, Kawada Fujitsu ZMP, Inc. Sony Toyota Motors

Pictures not in proportion to actual dimensions

VeryVery muchmuch Public Public InterestInterest PromotionPromotion

ASIMO‘s Schedule 2003 – 2004

- Promotional appearance at the TH Darmstadt Germany

- Promotion for NTT DoCoMo at CEATEC 2003 / Japan

- Engagement at Takashimaya Department Stores throughout Japan

- State visit to the Czech Republic with Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi

- Promotional appearance at the closing ceremony at the Japanese Stock Market

- Pounding traditional rice-cakes at the New Year’s celebration at Honda Motors HQ

- Promotional appearance at the Hannover Messe (Press Day)

- Diverse engagements at museums and companies as “receptionist”

QRIO‘s Schedule 2003 – 2004

- Celebrating the opening of the new “Shinkansen” station

at Shinagawa

- Attending the Japanese Year’s End Song Contest

Extravaganza

- Speaking as guest star in a new „Astro Boy“ series

- Conducting the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra

- Participating at a children’s concert

- Promotional session at CeBIT Hanover / Germany

- Throwing a ceremonial pitch at the Padres vs. Mets baseball-game (San Diego US)

Special Economic Zone Project: allowing robot tests on public roads in Fukuoka

- RoboSquare (Fukuka) and TEPIA (Tokyo) are supported by the government

- Humanoid Robotics Project (HRP) supported by METI

(results are HRP-2, ASIMO, QRIO and the OpenPINO-platform)

Japanese Prime Minister Kozumi and the government (METI) supports

Japanese robot research:

One hears rather few „robot criticism“ or critical discussions in Japan

� Impression of great robot-affinity in Japanese‘ general public(but one also hears little public concerns about nuclear power plants…)

Historical and socio-economic factors:

- Weak unions

- Strong „Nationalism“ which allows such kind of „Interest Promotion Strategies“

- Not a „debate-culture“ in contrast to Germany

- „Robots“ as symbol for Japan‘s economic power and

Japan‘s “Race Against the Future“

Activities lead to the perception of Japan being the „Robot Kingdom“

So, what‘s really behind it?

Why isn‘t GermanyGermany called the „Robot Kingdom“?

MOSRO Care-O-Bot II ™

Fraunhofer IPA

HERMES

Univ. d. Bundeswehr / München

���� overesimations regarding the abilities of Japanese robots ?

Germany‘sGermany‘s „„HiddenHidden“ Potential !“ Potential !

- Japan imports much machinery (machine tools) and medical equipment

from Germany !

- Germany houses world-leading industries, such as AIXTRON (Aachen),

the world’s leading producer of manufacturing equipment for semi-conductors

and so-called wafers, giving Aachen the nickname of “LED-Town” !

DID YOU KNOW…?

- Japan uses European / German technology for its space-program !

- Transrapid-technology comes from Germany – although the Chinese are using

it „invented in Germany – but applied elsewehere“

- The analysis equipment for „Mars Express“ and the rovers „Spirit and

„Opportunity“ are German technology !

- In many demographic (aging society, low birth-rate) and economic (growing

joblessness, stagnating economy, deficit problem) aspects the situation in

Germany and Japan is quite similar.

-- MP3MP3--Technology has been a Technology has been a German inventionGerman invention from a from a FraunhoferFraunhofer Institute, Institute,

but they were unable to find a German company supporting theibut they were unable to find a German company supporting their invention r invention

- Germany is world‘s second-largest producer and user of industrial robots – some

sources even quote „first place“ (but evidence is still missing for that assumption.)

- With the Heinz Nixdorf MueumsForum Germany houses the world’s largest

Computer- and IT-museum with a new permanent exhibition about robotics,

Artficial Intelligence and Information Technology (IT).

- I‘ve got the impression that Germany has the more pragmatic robot-projects

than Japan

- MOSRO 1 from the German company „Robowatch Technologies“ was the

world‘s first security robot in serial-production and has already been sold

over 200 times, other example

MOSRO1 �RoboWatch / Germany

Banryu (番竜）�tmsuk / Japan

- Two German researchers are working on Sony‘s QRIO-project

- German researchers also advocate an android shape

for robots in regard to AI-research and acceptability,

e.g. DFG 588 “ARMAR” (University Karlsruhe) ARMAR SYSTEM

- “Care-O-Bot” ™ platform (Fraunhofer IPA) proofs promising

…a fictional biped robot hero from a Manga created by Osamu Tezuka (1928 - 1989)

鉄腕鉄腕鉄腕鉄腕アトムアトムアトムアトム

has been and still is a great inspiration for many Japanese roboticists, politicians

(including the major of Fukuoka and supporter of the “RoboSquare” Project) and

„normal citizens“(although in my view Tezuka‘s intention has not been to popularize robots, but rather to call on humanity !)

Often named in connection to Japanese’ affinity towards robots

and decision for “Humanoids”

Sales (?)

Matured Products

„Public“ Prototypes

(upgrades cont.)

hardware, software

and AI, reserach

prototype, upgrades

Research for

Implementation

Purpose analysis

Reseach Phase Access

General

Public

Intersted

Public

Insider

Insider

Insider

„LOOKS“

AccessReseach Phase

Sales (?)

Matured Products

Purpose?

(upgrades cont.)

„Promotional

Prototype“

(upgrades cont..)

Working on „Looks“

(upgrades)

„Vision“, building

Research Prototypes

Insider

General

Public

General

Public

General

Public

Interested

Public

„LOOKS“

TIMEGERMANY: „Form Follows Function“ Japan: „Function Follows Form“

Different Concept-Strategies may explain the perception of

Japan as „Robot Kingdom“

Examples: Care-O-Bot, HERMES, ARMAR Examples: ASIMO, QRIO, AIBO

Comment from Dipl.-Inf. B. Graf at the Fraunhofer IPA in regard to humanoid

Robots such as ASIMO or QRIO (formerly known as SDR-4XII)

The research efforts are too high in relation to the benefits.

Since the Japanese possess such popular “humanoid-robot projects”, which

are conducted by large corporations and their promotion is even encouraged

by the government, the conception of the “Japanese Robot Kingdom” arises.

Japanese and German projects often not comparable, because of different

Project-emphasis �which are superior = difficult to answer

In regard to pragmatism Germans seem to have the more solid concepts.

- In my view it would be hard to imagine that a German company develops

a robot “just” to dance and do preprogrammed small-talk

German interest in “humanoids” in the context of “embodyment” for AI-research

(Rodney A. Brooks, Thomas Christaller), but not primarily because of “looks”

Japanese thought about Robots:

Quote from Honda Motors in regard to ASIMO (http://www.asimo.honda.com)

Quote in regard to QRIO (Sony) by Satoshi Amagai, President Entertainment Robot

Company (Interviews at: (http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/QRIO/story/index_nf.html)

“[…] can walk independently and climb stairs. This is important, because in a

world full of high curbs, uneven surfaces, obstacles and stairways, this

ability is absolutely necessary for ASIMO - or any robot - to be able to easily

function and truly assist humans.”

“The walking model walks on two legs similar to a person,

making it easy to become accustomed to.”

Quote from Toyota Motors in regard to their humanoid model(http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/special/robot/index.html)

“To bring people emotional value, I should think. That is the way entertainment

robots will become established as a new method of enjoyment. It's fun just to

have a robot around, it offers new kinds of social interaction, it makes everyday

life more interesting -- we want to offer people the happiness of fulfillment.

Thus, we want to build a culture around living with a robot.”

WhyWhy doesdoes JapanJapan seemseem to to bebe moremore advancedadvanced in in thethe fieldfield of of roboticsrobotics thanthan GermanyGermany

Japanese „Promotional Protoypes“ and function follows form“ strategy

� „humanoids“ cause „wow-effect“

For Japanese robots don‘t have to be necessarily seen in the light of pragmatism

(e.g. Paro, NeCoRo, QRIO, AIBO and a whole array of mechatronic toys)

Germany too pragmatic ?!(robot-”pets” like AIBO represent the present stand of technology to be commercialized.)

Preliminary Conclusion:

Financing:

Japan : Major robotics projects run entirely or in co-operation with large corporations

Germany: Financing mainly from the state or private sponsors

As a researcher at the Fraunhofer IPA has told me that they have difficulties

to find a company which is willing to support the Care-O-Bot ™ project.

� Who would build and sell an “German AIBO”?

Robots as company’s prestige object

� Results in a kind of “Diffusion” effect (nearly every major company has its robot)

Germany: Insufficient interest from companies and the general public in

robot-products � Difficulty for German research institutes to make sufficient use

of their developments � General problem with realization of innovative ideas

Japan: robot-technology = “National Pride”

Supported by government “to win the race against the future”that is to keep ahead of Japan’s economic rivals (even more pressing in regard to the

emerging situation in China and South-Korea.)

Maybe in 2050, Japanese and German robots will be equal in regard to

functionality and perhaps even social acceptability, but since Japan started

its campaign much earlier, it has already strengthened its perception

as “Robot Kingdom” � (what I call the “Cherry Blossom Effect”)

Japanese people are much more used to the idea of robots (toys, “Astro Boy”)

and concerns about their deployment are rather rare.

The reasons are multi-dimensional, including economic, historical, religious,

social, cultural and political factors

� That‘s where the cultural factors as mentioned influence the economic

and political aspects.

www.aibo-freunde.de

Special Thanks to:

Picture: © Sony Corporation