If it Walks Like a Duck and Quacks Like a Duck, is it a Robot?

What comes to mind when you think of the word ROBOT??

Metal, heavy, hard, rectangular??

Do any pictures of nature come to mind? Any feelings of joy, softness, and fun??

Unlikely.?

And yet, if robots—especially climate robots—are to occupy our public and private spaces in the coming years, why not take the opportunity to bring more art and joy to these spaces? Functionality often takes precedence over aesthetics in robotics. It’s a choice. So, how might we choose to design robots that simultaneously augment climate action and engender familiarity, fun, playfulness, gentleness, comfort, and beauty? Drawing on product design, art, behavioral psychology, and ecology may shed some clues.

I began exploring these ideas after coming across this fun piece on designing cleanup robots to look like ducks. “This design philosophy aims to make these robots a familiar and affable presence in urban environments,” making them more acceptable and part of the scenery.” The idea is to use creativity, design, and art to redefine the relationship between robots and society.

Designers can create robots that exude warmth and friendliness by incorporating soft curves, vibrant colors, and friendly shapes. For example, rounded edges and pastel hues can soften a robot's overall look, making it more inviting and less intimidating. Robots can also become opportunities to inspire joy and spark the imagination by adding whimsy elements of whimsy and creativity to their design.

The growing fields of bioinspired and soft robotics offer multiple ways to incorporate art and creativity into robotic design. Bioinspired robots take inspiration from the natural world, such as animal locomotion. Soft robots can be designed using pliable materials that resemble natural organisms. They can be shaped and styled in ways that traditional rigid robots cannot, making them ideal canvas for artists. Moreover, soft robots are inherently flexible, adaptable, and organic-like.?

By integrating artistic elements such as intricate textures and fluid movements into the design of soft robots, designers can imbue these machines with a sense of beauty, elegance, and grace that resonates with human aesthetics. This fusion of soft robotics with art and product design enhances the visual appeal of robots. It fosters a more profound connection, transforming them from mere functional tools into captivating works of art.

There’s an obvious overlap between bioinspired and soft robotics, especially as morphology begins to play a more important role in robotics. The study of morphology is a growing area of research in robotics, focusing on the physical structure and form of robots. It presents another entry point for artists and product designers to infuse creativity and innovation into the design process, making robots more intriguing and joyful. By exploring different shapes, sizes, and configurations in robot morphology, artists and designers can experiment with unconventional aesthetics, and interactive features that evoke a sense of joy and wonder.?

Through the manipulation of morphology, robots can be crafted to resemble playful creatures, fantastical beings, or abstract art pieces, creating a visual language that sparks imagination and curiosity. This collaboration between robotics and artistic design enhances the visual appeal of robots. It opens up new possibilities for creating engaging, inspiring, and emotionally resonant technologies that transcend traditional notions of functionality.

With thoughtful design choices and creative expressions, we can shape a future where climate robots serve practical purposes and enrich our daily experiences with their playful, gentle, and inspiring presence. We’d love to hear from artists and product designers interested in further exploring these topics.

Thanks to Johnny Bonk for his kind feedback on an earlier version of this article!