Unit Three - Robotics + Art

The topic that really captured my attention in lecture this week was the mention of automata and their role in the development of modern robots. Early examples of automata, which are typically mechanical devices and toys driven by clockwork, can be seen in Greek mythology, as well in texts from ancient China. These machines are not only incredible feats of engineering, but can also be looked at as works of art, and in fact, even today, the art of creating automata is becoming increasingly popular, as can be seen in the video below.

"CBS Sunday Morning - Lost Art of Automatons Alive Again"

One of my favorite examples of an older automaton is ‘The Writer,’ built in the 18^th century by Jaquet Droz. This automaton uses an intricate series of clockwork and cams to write out programmed letters, all disguised in the body of a life-like doll. The origins of modern robots can easily be seen in ‘The Writer,’ with its use of automation to complete a task, in this case, writing.

"'The Writer' Automaton"

In the movie Hugo, the main character finds a broken automaton similar to ‘The Writer’ and sets out on a mission to repair it, believing that it holds a secret message.

"Hugo" Movie Poster

I believe that the idea behind Benjamin’s comments on the reproduction of art also applies to automata. Many years ago, automata were created by clock makers as a way to show off their skills (CBS), and many of these creations are now displayed in museums around the world. It would not be very difficult, mechanically speaking, to mass-produce copies of these devices to be sold to museum-goers as souvenirs, but, as Walter Benjamin says, “mechanical reproduction of art changes the reaction of the masses toward art." Copies of these automata would lose some of the charm and creativity that makes the originals so fascinating.

Works Cited

Addams, Robert. "Automata History." Automata. Web. 18 Apr. 2015. <http://www.mechanical-toys.com/History page.htm>.

Benjamin, Walter. The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. 1936. Print.

"CBS Sunday Morning - Lost Art of Automatons Alive Again." YouTube. YouTube, 29 Jan. 2012. Web. 18 Apr. 2015.

"Hugo (film)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 18 Apr. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_(film)>.

"'The Writer' Automaton." YouTube. YouTube, 17 Apr. 2014. Web. 18 Apr. 2015.