Towards Culturally Robust Robots: A Critical Social Perspective on Robotics and Culture

Abstract

paper, we argue that cultural robotics should be grounded in a critical approach that acknowledges the co-construction of culture and scientific practice and technology design, as well as the dynamic nature of culture and its role in shaping human cognition and social interaction. We suggest this can be done in two ways: 1) by making the robot design process more culturally reflexive and inclusive of the perspectives of diverse stakeholders, and 2) by designing robots to be sensitive and adaptable to salient cultural values and practices, rather than designing robots for specific cultures. Building on these two key points, we suggest an approach based on culturally robust robotics.