STS meets robotics

Abstract

The possibility of integrating robotics into everyday life has captured the interest of Science and Technology Studies. The increased presence of robots in narratives of technological innovation, the media, or even policy agendas, has led to a substantial increase in the discussion around these artefacts. This paper explores the contribution of STS to debates about the design and application of robots, weaving together intricate discussions on human-robot interaction, agency dynamics, socio-technical imaginaries, embodiment or sociality. Ultimately, STS provides a critical lens through which to view the ethical and political implications of the integration of robots into different social spheres.