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Education
Educational Technology

Mechanology, Mindstorms, and the Genesis of Robots

Profile image of Chris ChesherChris Chesher

2018, Androids, Cyborgs, and Robots in Contemporary Culture and Society

https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-2973-6
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Abstract

This chapter examines the emergence of educational robotics, drawing on the philosophy of technology of Gilbert Simondon. In the 1950s, Simondon argued that the dominant understandings of technology are personified in the popular imaginings of the robot. These attitudes are polarised between simple instrumentalism, and dystopian anxiety about technology overcoming humankind. To improve the conceptualisation of technics he took an approach called mechanology, developing a suite of concepts that grasped technology in new ways: technological genesis; the margin of indetermination; lineages of abstract and concrete technologies; and the associated milieu. These concepts are useful in understanding the tradition of educational robotics starting in the 1970s, with Seymour Papert's 'turtle' robot serving as a resource for learning mathematics. Since the 1980s, LEGO's Mindstorms kits have introduced learners and consumers to robotics concepts. Since the 1990s, theorists of embodied cognition in the 2000s have made use of Mindstorms to draw attention to the limits of symbolic intelligence.

FAQs

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What role does Mindstorms play in learning robotics and pedagogy?add

The study highlights Mindstorms as a pedagogical tool that enhances learning through hands-on robotic construction, intertwining play with educational outcomes. Its kits allow users to explore robotic dynamics and principles while fostering critical engagement with technology.

How does Simondon's critique of hylomorphism apply to robotics?add

Simondon's critique challenges the separation of matter and form, illustrating that robotic design involves dynamic interactions rather than fixed binaries. This approach reveals that robotics development considers multiple layers of complexity, impacting how robots function in real-world applications.

What are the implications of embodied cognition in robotic learning?add

Embodied cognition emphasizes the integration of sensory and motor interactions in learning, as seen in Mindstorms robots' design. This perspective shifts the understanding of intelligence from symbol manipulation to more reactive and embodied processes.

Which features differentiate Mindstorms from traditional educational robotics tools?add

Mindstorms kits stand out due to their modularity and programmability, allowing extensive customization and experimentation. Unlike other educational robotics, they encourage iterative learning through constructing and deconstructing robots for diverse tasks.

How does popular culture's representation of robots affect societal perceptions?add

The chapter notes that popular culture often perpetuates myths about robotics, invoking anxiety and fascination. This portrayal obscures deeper issues like surveillance and labor displacement, underscoring the necessity for a more nuanced understanding of robotics.

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Related topics

  • Gilbert Simondon
  • Educational Robotics
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