Joseph Engelberger, a pioneer in industrial robotics, once remarked: “I can’t define a robot, but I know one when I see one”. Pro-robotics societies plan to have full-scale commercialisation of service robots by 2025. How will they look like ?
The aesthetic of a technologic tool or machinery is not just the result of the formal expression of its own function but it derives from the intention to create a symbolic shape as well. This is an image/message that will hit our eyes provoking at the same time comprehension and fascination. It is clear that the image of a device such a mobile phone or a music player is the result of a well designed process that works on two elementary aspects: the formal
expression of function and symbolism. Both are designed to stimulate human perception, culture and heritage. We are surrounded by devices which are equipped with similar technology offering us same functions and performances. Despite, these objects manifest themselves through different forms and aesthetics. In the world of machinery and in particular the field of robotics, the emergent debate is centered around the shape of these devices. As computers became personal, after having been industrial, robots will come in our house, during the next two decades. We already know them in form of vacuum cleaners and home appliances and we may figure out how the artificial intelligence will be built in to them, bringing literally those inanimate creature to life. By contrast, man has developed along the history, a fear of autonomous robot and how it may react in society, such as Shelley’s Frankenstain. Since the beginning of civilisation our species has had a fascination for a human-like creation that would assist him. The word robot was introduced by a Czech painter and writer (Josef Capek) in a play called R.U.R, published in 1920. The word “robota” means literally ”work” in Czech. The word robotics, instead, is used to describe this field of study, and it was coined by the science fiction writer Isaac Asimov in 1942. Along many centuries man has created more and more sophisticated robots, from mechanical dolls to
advanced robot surgical system. Pro-robotics societies such us Japan and Korea are more oriented toward an anthropomorphic approach in the creation of this creatures. Instead, western societies consider this approach risky. However the robotics era is going to happen soon, nanobots and 
specialised androids will invade the markets ready to obey to all our orders. In this scenario “RoBot” is an artistic visual research that attempts to anticipate and to prefigure the imminent era in which we may purchase robots and digital creatures. Cult/tech devices are reused, mashed up, framed up, to compose luxury robots ready to serve you. Brand new desirable objects recycled and reassembled conform to the latest environmental certifications. With a closer look to them, we can still recognise all devices people use to handle every day. Sony, Panasonic, Leica, Apple, Nokia, Samsung, LG and Bang&Olufsen are the future corporations ready to produce and distribute the latest generation robots. Three mechanical artificial agents lunched on the market through a global advertising campaign. They are the state of the art in 2025, mercury free and designed to be recycled and reused.
They will live in our society in respect of the Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics:
1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey any orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
Here, we are suggesting the 4th one:
A robot must be aesthetically attractive with a mellow tactile surface, pleasant scent and a tuned sound.
{Printing 841X1184 mm}
By Mimmo Cangiano Belcuore
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