Routledge An Anthropology of Robots and AI - Academic Book

Explore the complex relationship between humanity and technology in An Anthropology of Robots and AI. This Routledge publication provides a deep look into the creation of robots within the laboratories of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). By examining the cultural ideas and the influence of fiction on technological practices, this book offers a unique perspective on how robotic scientists develop their work. Richardson tracks the historical evolution of robotics, charting the shift from the industrial worker robots of the 1920s to the social robots of the 2000s. The text examines how machines are reimagined as intelligent, autonomous, and social beings that are woven into our lived social realities. Readers will learn how robots are being redesigned to serve as companions and friends, moving beyond simple mechanical functions. This work is an essential resource for those interested in how machines are integrated into society. It addresses the ways in which robots are perceived and the social implications of their development. Whether you are studying anthropology, sociology, or the history of technology, this book provides a detailed account of the cultural forces shaping the future of artificial intelligence and robotics.