Steve Prilliman
Papers
1
Total Citations
139
H-Index
1
About
Steve Prilliman’s research bridges robotics, aesthetics, and human perception, with a central focus on the uncanny valley—the unsettling response to near-humanlike robots. His most-cited work, “Upending the uncanny valley” (2005, 139 citations), challenges conventional robotics dogma by arguing that humanlike depictions in art—from Rodin’s *Thinker* to Disney’s Abraham Lincoln simulacrum—have long been accepted as masterpieces. Prilliman contends that the uncanny valley is not an immutable barrier but a design challenge, shaped by context, artistry, and cultural familiarity. This provocative perspective has influenced both roboticists and human-robot interaction scholars, reframing how we approach lifelike design. Beyond this paper, his work explores how artistic traditions can inform more natural, accepted robotic forms. By drawing on centuries of visual art, Prilliman offers a humanistic counterpoint to purely technical approaches, urging designers to learn from painters and sculptors. His insights remain vital for anyone building robots that must live and work alongside people—proving that the path through the uncanny valley may be paved with art, not just algorithms.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Upending the uncanny valley139 citations · 2005