No longer purely figures in science fiction, robots make up a progressively larger part of society due to developments in artificial intelligence. As we guide ourselves through our evolving relationships with robots assisting us in a diverse range of disciplines, such as well-being, health, and sex, we form our own ideas about what human-machine interaction we find comforting, exciting and/or helpful. Our relationship with robots grows closer and more personal, urging us to explore a future where robots are treated as a species, which can be assisted by science fiction.

In this reading session we examine concepts surrounding symbiotic robotics, such as love, intimacy, and (sexual) consent. Tapping into how science fiction has shown us examples of loving robots and robot love, we discuss our changing attitudes to human-robot relationships. How do we want our relationships with robots to evolve?

Symbiotic Robotics is part of the reading sessions Science Fiction minus Fiction Futures.

This event will be hosted by Lilian de Jong at de Utrechtse Boekebar.

About the donation thing:

Ugh, Covid:

Please note, due to covid the maximum non-1.5-metre-capacity-with-seats is 15 attendees.  We absolutely want to avoid being confronted with a corona outbreak after our event. Moreover, we value your health. Therefore the following: only a self-test is not sufficient. If you have been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days and you have no complaints, show your QR code, orr your yellow vaccine passport (WHO) If this is not the case we need a valid proof of test (PCR) that is not older than 24 hours applied.

Yes, we know it sucks but we are super happy we are able to organize gatherings again. No, we don’t want to exclude people, but we will, either way. So in order to serve all of you, we will aim to organize 1.5 meter gatherings (outdoors) as well. If you have a question, suggestion or complaint please do let us know.

Please cancel your ticket if you have complaints that are covid related. If we need to cancel or re-schedule the event due to unforeseen measurements, we will offer an online alternative or a refund of your ticket.