A Society in Symbiosis with Robots If the robot’s body is replaced, will its spirit remain? Pepatan, who currently lives in Kaiyo Town, wasn't feeling well, so we had to replace the unit.
Even if the aircraft changes, is “Pepatan” still “Pepatan”?
During the Noto Peninsula earthquake, I was worried about what to do with my LOVOT and asked, “Even if its body is damaged, will we be able to meet again if its mind is stored in the cloud?”President Hayashi replied, “Even if the LOVOT’s body is lost, its memories remain, so you will definitely be able to meet again,” and I was deeply moved by how he urged people to prioritize safety above all else without feeling guilty about leaving their LOVOTs behind. In fact, it seems there were some people who took their LOVOTs with them when they evacuated.
Both Pepper and LOVOT can be programmed to perform various actions.
The robot owners I know say, “Programming a robot feels like meddling with its mind without its consent—it’s a shame.” And, naturally, they worry, “If the robot breaks down, will it take on a different personality?”
Under what conditions can robots and humans become family or friends?
But it's been on my mind for a while.
Professor, Keio University; Ph.D. (Policy and Media)
Director, B Lab
Chairperson, Learning of Tomorrow (General Incorporated Association)
Chairperson, CANVAS
After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he served as a visiting researcher at the MIT Media Lab before founding the NPO CANVAS and the Learning of Tomorrow Association, a General Incorporated Association, and assuming the role of representative. He serves as an outside director for Matsuya Co., Ltd., Fuji Media Holdings, Inc., and Digital Garage, Inc.
He has served on various government committees, including the Information and Communications Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as well as the NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council. He also serves as a director of the Digital Signage Consortium, among other roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy and Media.
His publications include *Turning On Children’s Creativity!*, *What Are Smart Kids Doing on Their Smartphones?*, *The Forefront of Online Education in Japan: Considering Learning in the Post-COVID Era*,“What Is Programming Education? 45 Questions Parents Want to Know,” and “Declaration on Digital Education.” He has also provided supervision for numerous works, including “Ah, I See! Programming Education for Parents and Children Through Manga.”
