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Cartoon of a robot walking dogs© Goethe Institut London. Illustration: Carlos D'Agaro.

When AI takes a familiar form
 Learning to live with robots

Everywhere we look new technologies are emerging around us - at work, at school, in our homes, and across the cultural sector. As we welcome more technologies into our lives, we must also ensure that we maintain ethical standards along the way. In particular, with AI-led technologies such as robotics, the replacement of humans and human functions requires not only ethical standards to be upheld but also a reassurance that humans will not be completely replaced and pushed out of work altogether. 

Fear that these expectations and standards might not be met are reasons why some institutions have been more resistant to the idea of welcoming robots. In this dossier, we explore how the cultural attitudes of nations impact their relationship to adopting new technologies. In the case of the British, it appears we are rather sceptical. 

As the cultural institution of the Federal Republic of Germany, we must think about how these technological advancements will impact us in the future and how we can incorporate these changes into our own work, to create better cultural and educational experiences. In this dossier, we delve into how these new technologies are being experienced in the UK and beyond. 

A very British perspective

Here you can read more from award-winning journalists and psychologists about why we Brits are so resistant to welcoming robots into our lives. 

An illustration of people scared of robots © Goethe Institut London. Illustration: Carlos D'Agaro.

Why are humans scared of robots?
 The Psychology Behind Our Feelings About Robots

Some people love them. Others are interested but cautious. Still, others are fearful. Why do we have such different reactions to robots? The answer, both complicated and fascinating, depends on a number of factors. Some of these factors are inherent in the robot observed, while others are concerned with the observer.

Cartoon of robots in a love boat © Goethe Institut London. Illustration: Carlos D'Agaro.

British sceptism about robotics
 Why Britain hasn’t fallen in love with robots – yet

British scepticism and a fear of the Terminator could stop the robotic revolution. 
 

Robot reading in front of tv© Goethe-Institut London. Illustration: Carlos D'Agaro.

Our Library and Robotics

The Library at the Goethe-Institut London is not only home to our robot Gilon, but also a range of books and media to assist you in exploring the topic of robotics deeper. Below you can browse through our hand-picked selection of books and media free to rent in our Onleihe. Almost all of the books and media are in German only - An excellent excuse to expand your vocabulary! 

Introductory texts

Book cover of Mensch-Roboter-Interaktion Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH & Co. KG

An Introduction
 Mensch-Roboter-Interaktion

Book cover of Künstliche Intelligenz: Fakten C.H.Beck

Facts, opportunities, risks
 Künstliche Intelligenz

Book cover of Smart School Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden

Schools of Tomorrow
 SmartSchool

Fiction and Pop culture

Book cover of Die Nacht war bleich, die Lichter blinkten Suhrkamp Verlag

Fiction
Die Nacht war bleich, die Lichter blinkten

Book cover of Sex Machina Matthes & Seitz Berlin Verlag

The future of desire
 Sex Machina

Bookcover of Hi, AI Rise And Shine World Sales UG

English subtitles available
Hi, Ai

Political and Philosophical Thinking

Book cover of Künstliche Intelligenz Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH & Co. KG

Knowledge Processing - Neural Networks
 Künstliche Intelligenz

Book cover of Ethik Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH & Co. KG

Ethics
 Ethik in KI und Robotik

Book cover of die Rettung der Arbeit Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH & Co. KG

A political appeal
Die Rettung der Arbeit

Our Robot in the library © Goethe Institut London. Illustration: Carlos D'Agaro.

In-House
 Our Robot

As a way to delve further into the topic of robotics, culture and education, we purchased our own robot: Gilon, who lives in our library. Visit us at the institute in South Kensington if you are interested in exploring what it is like to interact with a robot. 

An International Pespective

Here you can discover more about the topic of Robotics via our online magazine Zeitgeister, which aims to bring together international perspectives from culture and society. 

Three robotic heads with human features, all called Tengai, next to each other Photo (detail): © Tengai Unbiased

Humanoide Robots
 “TENGAI ASSESSES EVERYONE THE SAME WAY”

How do you completely eliminate bias in recruiting situations? With robots - claims software developer Vanja Tufvesson. She has founded an NGO, which organizes Coding Camps for women-identifying people, and has worked on the development on the world’s first unbiased robot.

Older woman with folded hands sitting opposite a robot Photo (detail): picture alliance / BSIP | BSIP

Social Robotics
 LEARNING HOW TO LIVE WITH ROBOTS

When machines become “social” interaction partners, we need to revisit our understanding of sociality. This is a conversation with the philosopher, Johanna Seibt, Aarhus University, who works in the new research area of “robophilosophy”​and launched the biennial conference, which in 2020 took place online from 18 to 21 August.

Artificial Intelligence Photo (detail): © Adobe

Artificial Intelligence
 MASTER OR MINION?

On the insurmountable distinctions between humans and machines – an essay.

Image of Pavla Koucká © Private

AI and Psychology
 “THE FACT THAT WE GAIN A LITTLE DOES NOT JUSTIFY THE FACT THAT WE LOSE A LOT”

Artificial intelligence is like a mother who arranges everything for us, – says psychologist Pavla Koucká. If we are not careful, we will end up like spoiled children – dependent and unable to develop real relationships. How can we make meaningful use of artificial intelligence while continuing to develop as humans?

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