Can you recall a time when you were watching an animated movie, and something about the characters made you squirm? Or perhaps you’ve seen Sophia, the humanoid robot who has appeared on talk shows and even has citizenship in Saudi Arabia, and felt a chill? Let Margaret Amason introduce you to the uncanny valley and explain why it has become a major roadblock in technological advancement.The uncanny valley describes the eerie feeling when viewing almost-but-not-quite humanoid characters and robots. These negative feelings often create distrust toward robots and AI, leading to barriers in adopting advanced technology in everyday life.Amason's work focuses on how pathogen avoidance and disgust influence reactions to humanoid agents, and how this knowledge can aid the development of humanoid robots, AI, and digital animation. As AI and robots become more integrated into daily life, public comfort with human-robot interactions is crucial. Reducing discomfort in these interactions will allow advancements and greater access in AI and robotics in areas such as healthcare, education, and even animated media.Through a visually engaging presentation and conversational delivery, Amason helps clarify why we may hesitate to accept robots and AI so that we can take a step toward a more accessible future for both. Margaret Amason is a psychological researcher exploring why almost, but-not-quite human-like robots and AI sometimes make us feel uncomfortable, a phenomenon known as the uncanny valley effect. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in psychological science, her work focuses on how individual trait differences affect the severity to which one experiences the uncanny valley effect. Her research hopes to integrate psychology and robotic design with the goal of making advanced technology more comfortable and accessible — one creepy robot at a time. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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