Tweenbots


(blip TV link)

Kacie Kinzer's Tweenbots experiment is less about robots and more about human nature. She designed small cardboard robots with smiling faces that will move only forward. Kinzer then would set a robot down in an area of New York City with a flag that indicated its destination. The only way it could get "home" was with the help of passers-by. People really came through! Over several months and many missions, each time a robot got stuck or headed in the wrong direction, someone would set it straight or otherwise helped it along its way. My question is: would people have helped a robot that wasn't so cute? Link -via Gizmodo

Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

It would be interesting to try the same experiment in different countries, to see whether human nature differs markedly in other parts of the world.
For example, in some places, would people be more likely to ignore / steal / destroy the robot?
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I remember a similar experiment a few years ago with an immobile robot that pleaded for help when it sensed a person nearby. It would ask to be moved and if the person complied it would ask to be moved again, become more and more demanding with each success.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Email This Post to a Friend
"Tweenbots"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More