Robots That Survive On Kindness Of Strangers
Could a human-like object traverse sidewalks and streets along with us, and in so doing, create a narrative about our relationship to space and our willingness to interact with what we find in it?
That's the question that impelled Kacie Kinzer to create Tweenbot -- a human-dependent robot that navigates the city the help of pedestrians it counters. Rolling at a constant speed, in a straight line, Tweenbots have a destination on a flag, and rely on people they meet to read this flag and point them in the right direction to reach their destination.
The results were completely unexpected. Kacie made the robots from disposable material because she figured people would abuse to no end. But it turns that people are lot kinder than we might expect -- the robot reached its destination every single time!
This video shows it in action:
Posted by Nipun Mehta on May 13, 2009
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5 Past Reflections
On May 15, 2009 Micki S wrote:
IWhat a great expeiment !!
It gives my heart joy to see people stop and notice something in front of them and try to help it along the way. It is wonderful to see people who are able to come out of their comfort zone and help a little robot to find it's way. I pray that we stop and do the same for our fellow humans.
On May 15, 2009 diegom wrote:
I actually find it quite sad that we need to do this kind of experiments to prove ourselves that human kindness exists and that not everyone of us is a complete egocentric self-absorbed maniac. The problem of human violence is much more complex, and the same people who can push a little robot while enjoying the comforts of a consumer society may react in a whole different way when a crisis threatens what they consider valuable.
On May 15, 2009 Clement Yeung wrote:
I think that this is an absolutely lovely video. It really is a nice way of showing that we are capable of showing compassion when it isn't necessary.
I agree with diegnom on the fact that it's a shame we feel we need to do these kinds of things, but on the other hand - beauty is something that we consistently seek out - if not for confirmation that it exists - for the joy of observing it. I believe that this example is also the joy of observation.
These people have clearly been in touch with some of the things that my partner talks about in her post titled: How to be abundant now, which you can read at,
http://www.thewayofmoney.com/how-to-be-abundant-now/
I like this blog! Thank you!
Clément Yeung
On May 19, 2009 gitakn wrote:
I enjoyed this ,for it confirms that some where someone cares.....................
I only pray this thought moves into human world TOO...................
On May 15, 2009 Bill Miller wrote:
This is interesting! People (at least those who are not wounded enough by life to develop a malicious streak) seem naturally willing to nurture and help others when there is no perceived threat - especially if the help-ee seems small and weak. (Maybe this same impulse motivates the anti-abortionists.) What is it that thwarts this impulse with others in general? I suspect it has much to do with our socioeconomic structure - a model based on scarcity and competition. A gift economy would go a long way toward redressing this.
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