While it is not uncommon to talk about AI and robots in technical areas and professions, there is often a gap between the scientific background and our daily life. One of the bridges between this gap, could be integrating robots and AI into our daily life. This was one of the suggestions brought forward by “Workshop Ischgl” where they developed an idea of an AI robot serving as a skiing instructor for the children. Thus, improving the children’s entertainment, attraction to the sport, and overcome the lack of staff in the skiing sport.
But looking at the photos released around this idea makes us question: Why does the shiny silver ski instructor have to look like it is wearing a tight silver body suit? Usually when skiing, people wear big jackets and outfits to protect them from the cold and accidents. While the robot does not need that protection it is still questionable if the gender perspective has had any consideration during the development of the idea or the promotional material. Moreover, this portrayal raises the question, what does a robot looking like this tell our children who are supposed to learn from it?
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Source: https://www.tt.com/artikel/30850924/mit-robotica-auf-ischgls-pisten-so-koennte-die-skilehrerin-der-zukunft-aussehen
https://www.workshopischgl.com/
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