#HTE

When Bots Bottle Feed the Baby

Right now it seems as if robots are being taught to basically accomplish any task a human could: some execute these tasks exceptionally while others are a serious work in progress. In any case, it seems like robots are here to stay, so that’s something we all should probably get more comfortable with—including the world’s future generations.

Several students at the University of Design Schwaebisch Gmünd in Germany are trying to start a clear conversation about this hypothetical future through the lens of design. Their recent design project entitled Raising Robotic Narratives is a four part visual conceptualization of ideas surrounding the possibility of robots in the home. The collection of products is meant to be used by children and it speaks to our coinciding optimism and fears about our imminent robot friends.

Some components of this collection exist to address our growing concerns around the role of robots in our lives. One product called the “Living Room Kill Switch" is a proposed solution and visualization of these technological anxieties. Meant to plug into any regular socket, the button automatically cuts power in case of any robot-related mishap. 

Another product helps parents save time by automatically bottle feeding their baby. The product raises an interesting question: "should we let robots replace humans in those activities we considered most intimate?”

Other parts of Raising Robotic Narratives touch on the unique outlook of future generations who will be born into a world where robots are integrated into our daily lives. A dragon costume for your robot speaks to the importance of companionship and role play in the early stages of life—a space where a robot could come in handy. “[Roleplay] helps the child process experiences, acquire skills and explore its personality,” says designer Jonas Voight, and “by personifying the robot to become a cute dragon, we want to explore its social status in society. Could robots exceed their role as tools if they are made more approachable?”

Finally, “My First Robot" is a friendly children’s book in this collection meant to teach kids about the history of robots as well as our potential future alongside them.

The premise behind the overall collection is highly satirical, but that’s precisely the point: in the future, we may not have a robotic arm feeding our children, but it is safe to say there will be many subtle alternatives to such an idea. 

All serious speculations aside, one last fun thing about Robotic Narratives is that if you have the bandwidth, they’ve actually designed the collection to be totally open source. So if you’re on the market for a baby feeder toolhead, don’t fret—you can just go ahead and make one yourself.