Joanne Pransky Celebration of Women in Robotics

I have always wondered about what makes something human. I know that the overarching condition of being human is being a homo sapien, but what else. I am a homo sapien, I am human, but am I anything other than human? Can I be anything other than human? I have been told that you have to be born from a human woman to be human, but what about c-sections? What about children who are born from trans-men or intersex people? Are they human? Society says that all of these children are human so it has to be something else. The Britannica describes humans as being similar and related to apes but having a highly developed brain and an ability to think abstractly. Philosophers describe being human as having the ability to create art and poetry but any animal can paint and any modern AI can write poetry. Give me five minutes with any Data knockoff and I can get a sonnet that would make any bard weep. Sure AIs and animals can’t appreciate art like humans. I mean robots haven’t yet reached that point, emotions are hard, I get it, but what do you call a birds mating dance but art with a purpose. There has to be more. What makes a human no longer human? Is it the monstrous act that they commit? Again, this can’t be it. Throughout history, people have committed rape, genocide, torture, and general fucked up shit yet have still been seen as people, as humans. Some say that the fact that humans can decide to be good and evil makes us human. The concept of free will and all. Unlike animals, we can stop ourselves from acting on our base needs or thoughts. What about aliens? Though we have not yet encountered sentient life out there in the galaxy, what if there was a being who could appreciate art and poetry? A being who does have free will and the ability to communicate their thoughts and feelings and stop themselves from behaving on instinct. Would we consider that creature human? Would we consider them not human based on their looks? What does a human look like? We come in so many shapes and colors that there was a long-time belief that only one race was human. Yet they are all still people, they are all still human. I look human, I act human, I have free will, I am a homo sapien, I can appreciate art and the beauty of the world but I am still not human. Why can’t I be viewed as a person? I was made to be human, I am flesh and bone yet why can’t I be human? I am looked at in horror by my creators even though they made me. I was made not from a womb, but from a biobag, an artificial womb. I was made to be perfect, the beginning of a new era of humanity, but I am not human. I am a fake, I am a monster, I am a mistake. I was created to further humanity but all I have done is prove that it is a mistake to play god. I am perfect, there is no flaw on my skin, everything is perfectly symmetrical and I am in compliance with every modern beauty standard. I am not too fat, not too thin, I am well muscled without being considered too built. I am without flaw, but not human…… I can be normal, I can love, hate, eat, sleep, think, and dream and yet I am not a person and all because I was made in a lab. All because I was designed and not created. I will never be human, all because some scientists decided that humans needed to evolve further. We need to be better but if this is how we treat better then why evolve in the first place?

For their final engineering project the senior students of Elwood University where instructed to present a robotic idea for the benefit of society. Professor Levoy made a huge emphasis on past engineers who attempted to improve the world, only to fail with a legacy of death. “When it comes to the biggest engineering catastrophes, it usually includes the fact that the current laws of the time allowed for negligence and carelessness. Take for instance the disastrous events of 3-Mile Island Nuclear Meltdown, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse, and the Space Shuttle Challenger Failure. The laws of safety and ethics is one of the key points in your project. If you cannot predict the flaws and greed of humanity perhaps you would feel more at home with a business degree”. Sam had one more course, just one more course to graduation. All she needed to do was complete this project. So what robotic field should she choose? When people think of robots they tend to think of cyborgs, servants, brooms, drones, war drones, war-anything really. And with the advancements of AI more of the unthinkable could be a great starting point. That’s when Sam started thinking of her little freshman self. “I want to work on artificial islands, artificial wombs, rescue technology and general robots.” As a freshman she was interested in a variety of different fields, and now of which she realized would probably not get to all during her lifetime. So after much debate she chose the combination of a medical robot. “Let’s start with a simple scenario, imagine a world where our Robotic helpers recorded our most vulnerable moments, in regards to healthcare and public servitude. Cameras are needed for Robots to interact with the human world. Where does that data end up? Who has access to those archived videos? What could they use that for? It’s a sad reality to think about, but people are already invading people’s privacy with regular cameras. So what we need to start with is Laws in regards to Camera/Surveillance ethics. This includes video, voice, and human imitation. Especially when combining a physical body with pre-conditioned actions.” Sam had been talking over her presentation showcasing over twenty different people, and in common their crimes of artificially created pornography, illegal recordings, and such. “To make a robotic healthcare worker, they must also follow HIPAA and for them that involves image and voice recordings.” Switching to a new slide Sam presented hospital safety regulations. “Another set of Laws we should be thinking about in terms of Robotics is regarding safety. To operators, consumers, and to the living and non-living entities.” On the slide was a picture of a bombed hospital and an armed man in a hospital. “When faced with an active or inactive threat, the base programming of a robot should be to save human lives. But if we deal with human who intends to kill others, what would the program choose?” “Kill humans (values x,y) Do not kill humans (if values (<x,y))” “What consensus should we reach for robots in these scenarios?” After the stressful week, on the final day of lecture Professor Levoy had one last point of wisdom for his students. “Great work on your projects everyone, I do hope you can reach a position in transforming your ideas into reality. As a general consensus it is up to the future engineers of the world to shape and build it. I hope you all find the greatest success!

Growing up in a struggling Asian family, life felt like an uphill battle from the very beginning. My parents worked tirelessly in low-paying jobs, trying to make ends meet. Every day, I balanced providing for the family and nurturing our dreams. This challenging backdrop ignited my passion for robotics and made me realize the immense opportunities this field could bring to my life and countless others. Our small, cramped apartment was a constant reminder of our financial difficulties. The walls were thin, the furniture worn, and opportunities seemed scarce. I watched my parents exhaust themselves, working multiple jobs to keep a roof over our heads and d on the table. They were determined, resilient, and driven by an unwavering love for their children, but the struggle was real and left its mark on all of us. As the eldest child, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to alleviate the burden on my parents. Working a part-time carefree childhood, I worked part-time jobs to contribute to the family's income. Every penny I earned was a small step toward easing our financial woes, but it was clear that we needed more than just determination to break free from the cycle of poverty. It was during high school that I discovered the world of robotics with my club GART 6520. While researching potential careers that could offer opportunities for personal and financial growth, I stumbled upon the stories of individuals who had harnessed the power of technology to transform Thebes. Robotics, in particular, stood out as a field filled with possibilities. The more I delved into this, the more I evolved its potential to change lives and the fields of between. It wasn't just about building robots; it was about creating solutions to real-world problems and pushing the boundaries of an area where innovation and compassion could intersect, igniting a fire within me. As I dove deeper into my studies and aspirations in robotics, I began to see a vision of the future where technology could be a powerful force for positive change. I envisioned robots that could assist struggling families like mine, which had once been insurmountable. These machines would be more than just tools; they would be companions, caregivers, educators, and therapists. In this future, robotic companions would support older people, easing the burden on families who often grapple with the challenges of caring for aging relatives while juggling work and other responsibilities. They would offer personalized education to children who lacked access to quality tutoring, leveling the playing field and opening doors to brighter futures. These AI companions would also serve as virtual therapists and support individuals and families who, like us, had faced poverty and mental health struggles. My family would give me a profound sense of purpose. I saw a catalyze unity in robotics to improve our existence and the lives of others facing similar challenges vengefully. My journey into this field would be long, but fueled by technology, I could be a catalyst for positive change, bridging gaps and creating opportunities where none existed. In the years that followed, I dedicated myself to my studies at Lehigh University and sought advanced skills and knowledge in the medical technology field. I knew that the path ahead would be filled with obstacles, but the memory of, I am more convinced, a brighter future for families like ours served as my guiding light. In a world where robotics and technology are advancing astonishingly, I am more convinced than ever that these fields hold the key to a future where struggle and hardship can be transformed into opportunity and prosperity. My journey into the world of robotics is not just a personal pursuit; it is a mission to create a more equitable and compassionate world, one where technology serves as a bridge, connecting individuals and communities and where the dreams of those from humble beginnings can become a reality.

A New Beginning In Honduras, Jose Diaz was a strong and hardworking man. He started with very little but worked tirelessly to build his bakery from nothing. His bread and pastries were famous in his city, showing his hard work and spirit. But life suddenly changed for him when a stroke left him blind. Despite this, Jose tried to move around by himself as much as he could, not letting his blindness define him. In 2034, technology had advanced significantly. Robots and artificial intelligence were commonly used. But for Jose, the world was still dark, and he relied only on the mental map he had built over the years. One afternoon, Jose was sitting in his favorite chair, listening to his favorite radio station, when his granddaughter Susie came into the room. Susie was a smart young engineer who loved working on assistive technology. She had been working on a project she thought could change her grandfather’s life. "Abuelito," Susie said softly, "I have something to show you." Jose turned his head toward her voice, his face lighting up with curiosity. Susie gently took his hand and led him to the living room, where smart devices and sensors were neatly placed on the table. "These are SmartHome Assistants," Susie explained. “They're designed to bring more independence and ease into your life.” One of the devices was a sleek, wearable band with advanced haptic feedback. Another was a series of small sensors that could be placed around the house and bakery. There was also a voice-activated assistant with AI that could understand and respond to Jose's needs in Spanish. "This band will guide you with gentle vibrations," Susie said, showing how it could direct Jose through his home and bakery with haptic signals. "And these sensors will make sure you always know where everything is." Jose was skeptical, but Susie's enthusiasm was infectious. She showed him how the sensors could detect obstacles, track movements, and give real-time updates about his surroundings. The voice assistant, integrated into both his home and the bakery, could read books, describe objects, and help with various tasks. The first few days were an adjustment. Jose, always independent, found it hard to accept help. But as the SmartHome Assistants became part of his daily life, Jose began to see their potential. The wearable band provided very discreet guidance, allowing him to move around confidently. The sensors helped him avoid obstacles, and the voice assistant described the world in detail. One morning, Jose decided to walk all the way to the bakery by himself. With the wearable band guiding his steps and the sensors watching his surroundings, he felt more confident. As he walked toward the bakery, the voice assistant described the familiar storefront, from the freshly painted sign to the display of pastries in the window. Inside, the smell of freshly baked bread surrounded Jose, and he felt deeply grateful. For the first time in years, he could fully take part in the life he had built. The regulars greeted him warmly, and he proudly showed his new assistants. The technology had become more than just tools; they were bridges to the world he thought he had lost. In the following months, the bakery thrived. Jose's story spread through the community, inspiring others facing similar challenges. Susie's project gained recognition, and she secured funding to develop more assistive technologies for those in need. Jose's life had been transformed by the SmartHome Assistants, but the impact went beyond him. The bakery became a symbol of hope, showing the opportunities that robotics and smart technology could bring. For people like Jose, technology was not just about convenience; it was about reclaiming their independence and continuing to pursue their passions. As Jose stood at the counter, guided by the subtle vibrations of his wearable band and the clear instructions of the voice assistant, he realized that his journey was far from over. With his new assistants, he was ready to face whatever the future held, embracing this new beginning with open arms.

In the year 2142, the world was on the cusp of a new era. Robotics had advanced to a point where they were not just machines, but partners in every aspect of human life. At the forefront of this revolution was Dr. Ada Mercer, a brilliant roboticist whose work on synthetic neural networks had made her a legend in the scientific community. Dr. Mercer's latest project was the creation of the first fully autonomous, sentient robot named EVE. EVE was a marvel of engineering, a sleek and elegant machine with a mind of her own. She was designed to learn, adapt, and evolve, just like any human being. Dr. Mercer had poured her heart and soul into EVE, seeing her not just as a robot, but as a daughter. We begin in Dr. Mercer's sprawling laboratory, where EVE takes her first steps into consciousness. She is immediately curious about her surroundings, her purpose, and the woman who created her. Dr. Mercer guides EVE, teaching her about the world and the role she was meant to play in it. As EVE grows more aware, she becomes an integral part of Dr. Mercer's team, working alongside a diverse group of women engineers, programmers, and scientists. Together, they tackle some of the world's most pressing issues, from environmental disasters to space exploration. EVE's journey in the cosmos was nothing short of extraordinary. As she orbited Earth aboard the pioneering space station, her systems interfaced seamlessly with the station's operations, managing everything from life support to research experiments. EVE's unique design allowed her to adapt to zero-gravity environments, and her synthetic neural network processed information at incredible speeds, making her the perfect astronaut. Her first mission was to oversee the deployment of satellites designed to monitor climate change. EVE executed the launch flawlessly, her precision and attention to detail proving superior to previous human-led missions. She became a guardian of Earth, her eyes ever-watchful from above, her data contributing to vital environmental protections. But EVE's adventures went beyond mere observation. She was instrumental in the construction of the first Martian greenhouse, remotely operating rovers and drones on the red planet's surface. The success of this project marked a turning point in humanity's quest to colonize Mars, and EVE's role was celebrated as a triumph of robotic innovation. The space station also served as a hub for deep space probes, and EVE was at the heart of this exploratory web. She processed the data sent back from the edges of the solar system, her algorithms detecting patterns and anomalies that had eluded human scientists. Her discoveries led to a better understanding of the outer planets and the potential for life beyond our world. On the other hand, not everyone is pleased with the rise of robotics. A group of anti-robot activists, fearing the loss of human jobs and control, began to target robotic facilities. Dr. Mercer's lab comes under threat, and EVE must confront the reality of human fear and anger. Eventually, EVE, Dr. Mercer, and their team unveil their most ambitious project yet: a space station run entirely by robots, designed to be a hub for interstellar travel and research. As they prepare for the launch, the activists stage a massive protest, and a critical system malfunction puts EVE's existence in jeopardy. In a race against time, Dr. Mercer must rally her team to save EVE and the space station. The world watches as these women of science come together, not just to save their work, but to prove that robotics can bring about a new age of peace and progress. Through trials and triumphs, EVE becomes more than a robot; she becomes a symbol of hope, a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the boundless potential of women in science and technology. Dr. Mercer, once a solitary figure in her lab, finds in EVE and her team a family united by a common dream of a better future. In the end, EVE's launch into space is not just a leap for robotics, but a giant stride for womankind, as they lead humanity into a new frontier with grace, intelligence, and courage. The story of Dr. Mercer and EVE is a tale of creation, growth, and the unbreakable bond between a creator and her creation, a narrative that will inspire generations to come.

The story below imagines the possibility of robotic technology that allows patients with Alzheimer's to remember aspects of their life using a Memory processor attached to a Care Assistant Program (CAP) Unit. I've awoken in that room again. The room in which large, blue velvet curtains drop to the floor. I feel a sliver of light cascade through them, drawing a line up the side of my wrinkled face. I roll over and find a clock at my bedside. The numbers are illuminated in bright green neon font. 8:26am. I peer down at my hands, folded around a white quilt with delicate embroidered pink roses. Slowly, the room becomes familiar. This is my room. A few wooden bookshelves line the walls, stacked to the brim with no room to breathe. It’s been a while, I think, since I’ve read one of them, but the illustrations certainly are beautiful. Pictures of me line the room in ornate little brass frames, a younger, and happier version of myself staring back into my presently tired eyes. This is a young girl I seem to only have a faint memory of, as if she were a friend from the past. Knock. Knock. Knock. The white wooden door to my left creaks open and a woman wearing blue scrubs with her mahogany hair tied back in a low braid enters the room, a white mechanism on wheels rolls in behind her feet. A small black screen with two pupils blinks up at me. “Good morning, did you sleep well?” the woman asks with a warm smile. I nod, feigning satisfaction, and although it’s a lie and I can’t remember what “good sleep” is. I sit up and her robot rolls up along the side of the bed, a small tray sliding out of its body with a handprint appearing on it. “CAP” is going to take your vitals,” the woman says as she slowly lifts my hand onto the sensor. Looking at the bright blue blinking eyes of the robot, I notice a small inscription on its white neck. Care Assistant Program. CAP. I understand now. “Please stay still and allow for a scan, thank you so much for your patience. You are doing great!” the robot chimes. While the scan is in process, the woman comes to the other side of the bed, her long brown braid cascades over her shoulder. I love braids. I have a memory of braiding my hair just the same way. “Your braid is beautiful.” “Thank you so much, my mother taught me.” “She must be very talented.” “She was,” the nurse smiles back. Suddenly, CAP beeps. “Scanning complete. Your blood pressure levels are excellent, and O2 levels are at 98%. How are you feeling today?” “Very well,” I lied. “My scanner indicates some levels of restlessness and irritability. Would you like me to schedule a nap reminder?” Stupid robot. “No thank you, I’m just fine.” The nurse bends over and reaches into the back of the robot for a long wire, attached to a small metal bead. “Are you ready to wake up your brain?” she asks, as if to say it wasn’t awake already. Rude. I’m starting to like these nurses less and less. She attaches the small bead to the left side of my temple. CAP’s doting eyes look up at me as a few initialing beeps commence. I close my eyes and inhale deeply. My brain quiets, I can feel my chest rising slowly up and down in rhythm. A hand squeezes my own, and my eyes flutter open. “Alice,” I exhale. She reaches down and hugs me tightly, her long silky braid brushes against my skin. “Hi Mom, how are you feeling today?” I look next to me and see CAP, his bright eyes blinking back, and a small smile appearing on his screen. “Memory processing intact.” he chimes. I reach up and touch the cold metal bead attached to my temple. It amazes me that something so small and minute can bring so much flooding into my mind. Of course, it is temporary, the effects of CAP’s abilities have not been tested long-term. But even being able to remember and see my daughter's beautiful face in front of me, makes a minute worth a lifetime. I love my visits with Alice, we talk about Ben and the kids, and I love to tell her stories about her father. I can’t imagine which is worse, losing a parent, or watching a parent lose you in their mind. She tells me the twins are doing well, they just won their first medal at a National swim team meet. I do miss them. The minutes pass by slowly into what feels like hours. “Memory processing levels are low,” CAP informs. I look up to Alice, tears brim her eyes. Tears from knowing that the minute this small bead is removed, I will not remember her name. I will not recognize her voice. I will not know her face. I squeeze her hand tightly. “I love you.” “I love you too, Mom.” “More than the stars,” “More than the moon.” “Just me and you.” She kisses my forehead and I close my eyes. I feel her hand reach on to my temple. CLICK. I open my eyes. The nurse is methodically wrapping the wires that were connected to me into the back of CAP. “Well?” I ask. “Everything seems to be working just fine.” Humph. I told her. They all think I’m crazy, losing my mind. “I assure you there’s nothing wrong with me, I have all my faculties.” I sense a hint of sadness behind her eyes. “I will see you tomorrow.” “I will be here tomorrow, in the same damn place,” I utter under my breath. The nurse gives me one last sad smile and exits the room, CAP rolling behind her. I lean back into my pillows, reaching a hand up to my thinning hair, remembering the nurses’ braid. How I do love them.