Abstract

The Cambridge Robot Project is a non-profit event examining what it means to be human through a study of the robot. This year is the 85th anniversary of the invention of the robot and for four nights only, from the 23rd to the 26th May 2006, audiences will have a chance to see the play that was the origin of the FIRST ROBOTS —R.U.R (Rossum’s Universal Robots). Written by Karel Capek in 1921. R.U.R is a comedy, a romance, a tragedy and an exploration of what it means to be human.

Other events include a Robot Exhibition (15th – 28th May 2006), Robots & Film (15th – 18th May 2006) with discussions and short talks prior to each event.

All events to be held at Michaelhouse, Trinity St, Cambridge from 15th -28th May 2006. Doors open at 6pm.

SEE WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS http://people.csail.mit.edu/kathleen/robotproject.htm OR CONTACT KATHLEEN RICHARDSON (KR242@CAM.AC.UK)

Invited speakers are: Dr Katy Price, Department of English, Communication, Film & Media, Anglia Ruskin University, Dr Alan Blackwell, The Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Dr Murray Shanahan, Department of Computing, Imperial College London, Bill Thompson, Technology Writer, Peter Jaeckel, Robotics Laboratory, University of West of England, Dr Joanna Bryson, Department of Computer Science, University of Bath, Dr Dawn Heather, Associates Consultancy Services, Dr Mark Witkowski, Department of Computing, Imperial College London, Professor Steve Torrance, Informatics, University of Sussex, Professor Owen Holland, Department of Computer Science, University of Essex, Rob Clowes, Department of Cognitive Science, University of Sussex, Dr Satinder Gill, School of Computer Science, Middlesex University.