sony finds affinity in autonomy robotics at milan design week 2019

‘when robots have evolved so far that we feel like they’re alive, then humans will begin to feel an affinity towards them,’ thinks sony. at milan design week 2019, the technology brand’s immersive exhibition enables visitors to experience and interact with robotics. titled ‘affinity in autonomy’, it explores and proposes how technology can enrich our lifestyle by creating emotional bonds between ourselves and robotics.

all images courtesy of sony

since setting up their own in-house creative studio in 1961, sony’s designers have sought to do what has never been done before. they fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology, transforming functional values into experiences with their products and services. as part of their ‘perceptual experience project’, these innovations enable entertainment and creates an enriched lifestyle for a new tomorrow. an emphasis is always placed not only on convenience, but also sensitivity and emotion – all of which is felt in their ‘affinity in autonomy’ exhibition.

interaction <01> awakening

to develop this vision of enriching our lives, sony understands that humans will feel affinity towards robots once we feel like they are alive. their exhibition envisions and strengthens this relationship between humans and robotics. in five spaces, visitors will interact with important but different ideas regarding the independence of technology, and assess the development themselves.

interaction <02> autonomous

the first setting, titled ‘awakening’, emphasizes how heightened awareness of our senses can awaken a new type of intelligence. the entity embodied within the light and sound senses humans and can direct visitors towards a future with unexpected interactions with robots.

interaction <03> accordance

named ‘autonomous’, the second setting is a double pendulum that randomly moves to illustrate the independence and free-will of robotics. as the autonomous robotics detect visitors, it casts an eye in your direction and moves in response to yours.

interaction <03> accordance

the third setting, titled ‘accordance’, accommodates spheres that, like humans, each have their own distinct personalities. they interlink, cooperate, and act in accordance with those around them. at the same time, however, their unpredictable movements can spark the formation of communities.

interaction <04> affiliation

named ‘affiliation’, the fourth setting shows how, through continual interaction with humans, robots will evolve both intellectually and emotionally. through interacting with the dog, the emotional reaction is graphically shown in real time. by understanding this symbolic relationship, visitors can then imagine a future where robotics will have the appearance of being more alive.

interaction <04> affiliation

the final setting exhibits an interaction of ‘association’ where visitors are able to share their thoughts on the future of robotics. these will play an integral role in our lives, society and infrastructure, so what are your thoughts on the future of affinity in autonomy?

interaction <05> association