4 thoughts on “Robot Visions from the Past, T. Strand”
Strand, in his presentation about the robotic visions of the future, was able to incorporate themes central to the history of technology into his slidecast. The most notable theme that Strand focused his presentation around was how predictions about the future of robotic technology were a product of the 2nd industrial revolution and the American system of manufacturing. Because the 2nd industrial revolution was characterized by a concentration on science and technology systems, it was believed that robots would dominate on the factory floor. Strand was able to link the 2nd Industrial revolution to the American system of manufacturing, detailing how robots were thought of as a means of maximizing the efficiency and production on the factory floor, feeding directly into the idea of scientific management and Taylorism. While Strand’s presentation was enjoyable and informative, he could have done a better job of focusing on the diverse predictions about robots in the future, rather than devoting much of his allotted time on the 2nd industrial revolution and the American system of manufacturing.
Interesting starting off by talking about the film, Metropolis. I think it was a great way to draw me in and great connection that lead up to robot development and the social context at the time after the peak of the industrial revolution and a society of hard laboring workers. In this sense, you make a great connection to our class discussion of the 2nd industrial revolution that brought about a focus on science and technology system. Also – TAYLORISM; talk about another great link to class! With all these connections that you make it becomes easy to follow how robot development came about and the idea of a mechanical being becoming apparent in films and the work culture. Pretty cool landmark case of Electro and Roll-oh, and how that lead to the questions of what robots can/can’t do and if they are rather seen as reliable or unreliable. Also the overarching themes that you point about robots making life easier vs. causing destruction definitely sums up a great view of how robots are viewed today. Great job!
I really enjoyed watching your informative video on the future views of robots. The connection between the first and second industrial revolution showed the connection in how we slowly evolved into using robotic in the home, workspace, and in the military. The focus on how robots can change the way people live their daily lives demonstrates the fear we have for change. As much as I enjoyed your analysis of robots in the home, workspace and in the military, I think it would bring greater understanding if you analyzed robots in other areas such as the medical field or in the public sphere. With that in mind, how can robots change the culture or the environment that was lived back at that time, where robots were becoming dominate. For example, how did robots changed the gender roles as well as how practical were these new technologies? I also feel that although we have focused more of our attention in this unit onto the development of new technologies in the United States, I think it would be essential to see what other countries are doing with robots and understanding the different social context and use of the robot.
I enjoyed how the slidecast was based around a depiction of robotics in popular culture, beginning with the poster for the film Metropolis. I was very intrigued by the connection made between the automation of factories and the cultural effects that it had on the American people. Robots and automation were being used to improve efficiency in factories, and they were providing manufacturers with the drones that they so desired. The logic went that the ease of manufacture that automation was providing could also be possible in the home. This home automation in turn manifested into helpful robots, who then gained their own agency in many stories of the future. When robots and automation became a viable option for manufactures, they permeated popular culture in a unique way. Robotics became a channel for writers to discuss aspects of human nature and what it meant to be a living, thinking being, and to warn of an apocalyptic future. All in all, the slidecast sheds light on the connection between robots in popular culture and automated manufacturing. There were some minor audio issues to work on in the future, but I felt that it was very well put together
Strand, in his presentation about the robotic visions of the future, was able to incorporate themes central to the history of technology into his slidecast. The most notable theme that Strand focused his presentation around was how predictions about the future of robotic technology were a product of the 2nd industrial revolution and the American system of manufacturing. Because the 2nd industrial revolution was characterized by a concentration on science and technology systems, it was believed that robots would dominate on the factory floor. Strand was able to link the 2nd Industrial revolution to the American system of manufacturing, detailing how robots were thought of as a means of maximizing the efficiency and production on the factory floor, feeding directly into the idea of scientific management and Taylorism. While Strand’s presentation was enjoyable and informative, he could have done a better job of focusing on the diverse predictions about robots in the future, rather than devoting much of his allotted time on the 2nd industrial revolution and the American system of manufacturing.
Interesting starting off by talking about the film, Metropolis. I think it was a great way to draw me in and great connection that lead up to robot development and the social context at the time after the peak of the industrial revolution and a society of hard laboring workers. In this sense, you make a great connection to our class discussion of the 2nd industrial revolution that brought about a focus on science and technology system. Also – TAYLORISM; talk about another great link to class! With all these connections that you make it becomes easy to follow how robot development came about and the idea of a mechanical being becoming apparent in films and the work culture. Pretty cool landmark case of Electro and Roll-oh, and how that lead to the questions of what robots can/can’t do and if they are rather seen as reliable or unreliable. Also the overarching themes that you point about robots making life easier vs. causing destruction definitely sums up a great view of how robots are viewed today. Great job!
I really enjoyed watching your informative video on the future views of robots. The connection between the first and second industrial revolution showed the connection in how we slowly evolved into using robotic in the home, workspace, and in the military. The focus on how robots can change the way people live their daily lives demonstrates the fear we have for change. As much as I enjoyed your analysis of robots in the home, workspace and in the military, I think it would bring greater understanding if you analyzed robots in other areas such as the medical field or in the public sphere. With that in mind, how can robots change the culture or the environment that was lived back at that time, where robots were becoming dominate. For example, how did robots changed the gender roles as well as how practical were these new technologies? I also feel that although we have focused more of our attention in this unit onto the development of new technologies in the United States, I think it would be essential to see what other countries are doing with robots and understanding the different social context and use of the robot.
I enjoyed how the slidecast was based around a depiction of robotics in popular culture, beginning with the poster for the film Metropolis. I was very intrigued by the connection made between the automation of factories and the cultural effects that it had on the American people. Robots and automation were being used to improve efficiency in factories, and they were providing manufacturers with the drones that they so desired. The logic went that the ease of manufacture that automation was providing could also be possible in the home. This home automation in turn manifested into helpful robots, who then gained their own agency in many stories of the future. When robots and automation became a viable option for manufactures, they permeated popular culture in a unique way. Robotics became a channel for writers to discuss aspects of human nature and what it meant to be a living, thinking being, and to warn of an apocalyptic future. All in all, the slidecast sheds light on the connection between robots in popular culture and automated manufacturing. There were some minor audio issues to work on in the future, but I felt that it was very well put together