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Masahiro MoriJapanese scientist and robotics engineer
Country:
 Japan |
Content:
- Masahiro Mori: Pioneer in Robotics and Uncanny Valley Theory
- Uncanny Valley Theory
- Humanoid Robotics and ASIMO
- Ethical and Metaphysical Implications of Robotics
- Robot Competitions and the Future of Robotics
- Mukta Research Institute
- Media Exposure
Masahiro Mori: Pioneer in Robotics and Uncanny Valley Theory
Birth and Early CareerMasahiro Mori was born in 1927 and became a professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology's Department of Precision Mechanics in 1969.
Uncanny Valley Theory
In his famous 1970 essay "The Uncanny Valley," Mori proposed that human beings experience an inexplicably negative reaction to robots that are almost, but not quite, human-like. This phenomenon, which Mori termed the "uncanny valley," has since become a foundational concept in robotics.
Humanoid Robotics and ASIMO
Mori hypothesized that robots should avoid excessive human-like appearance and behavior. Toru Takenaka, one of Mori's students, applied these principles in the development of the famous ASIMO humanoid robot.
Ethical and Metaphysical Implications of Robotics
In his 1974 book "The Buddha in the Robot," Mori explored the metaphysical implications of robotics. He argued that robots have the potential to achieve a state of Buddhahood.
Robot Competitions and the Future of Robotics
Mori founded the first Japanese robotics competition, Robokon, in 1988. He believed that robotics competitions foster creativity, collaboration, and a sense of purpose.
Mukta Research Institute
Mori established the Mukta Research Institute in Tokyo to promote his ideas on the relationship between religion and robots. The institute also provides consulting services on industrial automation and robotics.
Media Exposure
Mori has been featured in various media, including the CNN series "The Future of Japan." His work continues to influence the development of robotics and our understanding of the human-robot relationship.
