Solarpunk, Robots and Optimism for the Future: Felipe Chavez

In an article entitled, "How solarpunk ideals can inspire the robots of tomorrow", Felipe Chavez, CEO of Kiwibot, wrote, "Focusing on human-centric design principles could help fulfil visions of a future in which machines work hand-in-hand with humans to improve everyone’s quality of life.

 'Solarpunk’ is an art movement depicting a sustainable future where technology meets nature, the world is at peace and humans collaborate with robots to build a better quality of life. All of these ideals sound very Utopian, but with the fast-paced advancement of technology - and society’s urge to become greener - the future could easily resemble solarpunk if the correct steps are taken.
 

"If robots are envisioned as the turning point to reach this optimistic future, industry is currently heading in the right direction. We have seen robots take the place of pets, nurses, factory and retail workers - including ones that make good conversation. The latter, however, still creates hesitancy among people due to fear of the singularity, a hypothetical point at which technological growth becomes uncontrollable, with irreversible consequences for human civilisation.

 

Other Thoughts 

Emily Wenstrom in AN INTRODUCTION TO THE SOLARPUNK GENRE wrote, "The spirit of solarpunk is one of craftsmanship, egalitarianism, and optimism where technology can be put to work to solve our greatest problems."

Steve Lord in Cyberpunk: Then and Now, wrote, "Solarpunk is more than an aesthetic and culture. It has a manifesto, a fediverse instancelow-tech and no-tech online magazines. It is a movement founded in cautious optimism. The Solar part of the term represents a sustainable existence for all. In a world ravaged by avarice-driven climate change, rebellion in favour of sustainability and egalitariansim may be the most punk movement of all.

"Whether Solarpunk the aesthetic and Solarpunk the culture will stay separate from a political alignment is yet to be seen. When it comes to Solarpunk, even I struggle to avoid being cautiously optimistic."

 

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