Robotic Knitting - Re-Crafting Human-Robot Collaboration Through Careful Coboting

This book provides a technofeminist intervention into dead-end debates on future human and robot collaboration, showing how knitting can engage in a practical exchange between technofeminism and robotics. It re-negotiates boundaries between formalization and embodiment, craft and high-tech, and useful and dysfunctional machines, enabling an alternative mode of relating that enables an account of careful coboting.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

This book offers a technofeminist intervention in response to the often fruitless discussions surrounding the future of human and robot collaboration, which tend to be either dismissive or overly enthusiastic about cobot technologies. Pat Treusch not only demonstrates how technofeminism and robotics can engage in a practical exchange through knitting, but also provides a tangible example of coboting dynamics. By re-negotiating the boundaries between formalization and embodiment, craft and high-tech, as well as useful and dysfunctional machines, Robotic Knitting re-crafts the nature of collaboration between human and robot. This ultimately entails an alternative mode of relating, one that enables an account of careful coboting.

Introduction:
The relationship between humans and robots has been a subject of fascination and debate for decades. While some see robots as a threat to human employment and social stability, others believe that robots can be a valuable tool for enhancing human productivity and improving our quality of life. As technology continues to advance, it is becoming increasingly clear that robots and humans will need to collaborate more closely in the future.

Technofeminism:
Technofeminism is a theoretical framework that combines feminist theory with technology studies. It seeks to understand how technology shapes gender roles and how women can use technology to empower themselves. In the context of human and robot collaboration, technofeminism can provide valuable insights into the ways in which technology can be used to promote gender equality and create more inclusive workplaces.

Robotics:
Robotics is the field of study that focuses on the design, construction, and operation of robots. Robots are capable of performing a wide range of tasks, from simple assembly line work to complex medical procedures. As robotics technology continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly possible for robots to collaborate with humans in a variety of ways.

Cobot Technologies:
Cobots are a type of robot that is designed to collaborate with humans in a shared workspace. Cobots are typically equipped with sensors and cameras that allow them to interact with humans in a safe and intuitive way. Cobots can be used in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to healthcare.

The Benefits of Human-Robot Collaboration:
There are many benefits to human-robot collaboration, including increased productivity, improved safety, and enhanced quality of life. Robots can perform tasks that are dangerous or difficult for humans to perform, such as lifting heavy objects or working in hazardous environments. By collaborating with robots, humans can avoid the risk of injury and improve their overall job satisfaction.

The Challenges of Human-Robot Collaboration:
However, there are also challenges to human-robot collaboration, including the need for training and the potential for job displacement. Robots are often expensive to purchase and maintain, and they may require specialized training to operate. As robots become more advanced, they may be able to perform tasks that are currently performed by humans, which could lead to job displacement.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the future of human and robot collaboration is promising, but there are also challenges that need to be addressed. Technofeminism can provide valuable insights into the ways in which technology can be used to promote gender equality and create more inclusive workplaces. By re-negotiating the boundaries between formalization and embodiment, craft and high-tech, as well as useful and dysfunctional machines, Robotic Knitting re-crafts the nature of collaboration between human and robot. This ultimately entails an alternative mode of relating, one that enables an account of careful coboting.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 148 x 223 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837652031