Year of the Robot

Yves Gellie's film Year of the Robot offers an enlightening perspective on the growing and complementary relationship between artificial intelligence (AI), robots and human beings. It's refreshing to see a positive approach to AI, highlighting its beneficial potential to help both seniors and young adults with autism spectrum disorders or other neurological disorders. It's common to associate AI with apocalyptic scenarios where robots replace or dominate humanity. However, while there are certain risks, these deep-seated fears of AI are often overblown and fuelled by a lack of understanding of the technology.

A notable point of analysis in the film is how individuals interact with NAO, a robot designed to socially engage residents through play, dance and conversation. Although some residents are initially reluctant, most enjoy its presence. Despite AI's ongoing acceptance challenges, research shows that trust in the technology is growing¹. Indeed, who could resist NAO's charm, with its delicate movements, apparent benevolence and ability to evoke empathy?

Admittedly, the creation of a fully functional robot, capable of understanding, seeing, dancing gracefully, conversing and remembering, is still beyond our reach. However, with current advances in generative AI, which now integrates text, sound and image², we can foresee a future where robots like NAO will be present to accompany our loved ones. It's important to note, however, that empathy and benevolence are rather controversial capabilities within the community, and are not de facto optimized in AI systems. As a result, little NAO may not be able to fully inherit its charming human touch.

Olivier Blais
Expert in data science, machine learning
and artificial intelligence


 

1. Who is the Expert? Reconciling Algorithm Aversion and Algorithm Appreciation in AI-Supported Decision Making
2. GPT-4 Technical Report