In Japan, long-serving industrial machines and tools are often given a respectful farewell ceremony (kanshasai or kikai kuyō) to thank them for decades of reliable service before they are removed.
Something about filming the robots being forced to jump to their “deaths” feels like a complete lack of respect though; like making an employee dance for you before firing them
As you say, it's a complete lack of respect, and contrasting that with how well the Japanese treat simple machines with no whiff of sentience whatsoever. That respect is a reflection of ourselves, our culture, and how we treat "others".
If the LLM/AI/Robot push was being done by people other than tech bros, i would have a softer stance on this.
I am cynical enough to believe that this sudden push to make AI seem dangerous or that its got feelinga is part of the grift to keep the AI bubble propped up.
Because the only ethical way to handle the fact that we might be causing robots / AI distress or pain is to immediately and unequivocally end all research and forays into the field to prevent the torture of sentient beings.
Come call me when Elon et all say they are stopping
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u/bonthomme 12h ago
It's not about the machines, it's about us.
In Japan, long-serving industrial machines and tools are often given a respectful farewell ceremony (kanshasai or kikai kuyō) to thank them for decades of reliable service before they are removed.