Since 2014, the artist Stephanie Dinkins has asked the social robot BINA48 this question several times. Developed by Hanson Robotics in 2010, BINA48 was purchased by Martine Rothblatt, a futurist and self-made millionaire. The robot’s bust is modeled after Rothblatt’s partner, Bina. More than one hundred hours of Bina Rothblatt’s thoughts, memories, and beliefs were compiled to form the personality of this humanoid robot. Although the robot shares its likeness and opinions with Bina Rothblatt, Dinkins is curious how BINA48 sees herself. Can the robot learn to empathize with people?
Stephanie Dinkins. Twins (or at some point, I decided to mimic the robot), 2017. Courtesy of the artist © Stephanie Dinkins.
Read more from the "Empathy" issue (Nov/Dec) in the Art21 Magazine here.
Project al-Khwarizmi (PAK) POP-UP Workshop continues at Recess Assembly through December 22, 2017.