In the recent Disney
movie Big Hero 6, we see several
different depictions of the robot, but more importantly the function of the
robot. The first robots are presented in a battle bot setting, with humans
controlling their bots, betting on whose will win. These robots were designed
to destroy each other, plain and simple. The more destructive the bot, the
better chance it has in a battle. Their creators, the main character Hiro
included, spend so much time and energy on making a bot to win an arbitrary (or
monetary) competition, but they serve no real purpose. The next robot we see is
Baymax, designed by Hiro’s brother Tadashi. Baymax was created as a portable healthcare
companion with the intent of helping people in need. Baymax is programmed to be
a comforter and caretaker, however Hiro adds additional programming to teach
him to fight by inserting a memory card with a skull on it. We also see Hiro’s
own robotic creations that serve a variety of functions like building, transportation,
etc. As Hiro says, “If you can think it, the microbots can do it. The only
limit is your imagination” (Big Hero 6). However
with their limitless potential, when the technology falls into the hands of the
villain of the movie it can so easily be used for destruction.
This film’s portrayal of
the robot is a critique on technology as much as it is on humanity. The robots
and their function are an extension of their human manipulators. These
technologies do not function on their own, but rely on the will of their
programmer. The robot and technology can be used for good or for evil. This is
very much a reflection of our current times. Many are afraid of the potential
of technology, which is justified, but it technology does not have a mind of
its own. Its use is dependent on those operating it. This movie makes a clear
distinction between the natural and the unnatural, and there is little middle
ground. The closest it comes is the central robot, Baymax. Baymax was highly
relatable because of his sociable qualities, which was an element of the
program Tadashi created and a part of himself he put into Baymax. The sentimental
attachment that Hiro creates to Baymax is because his programmed attributes (kindness,
compassion, and caring nature) are all Hiro has left of his brother. In this we
again find that the technology is an extension of its creator/programmer.
I think this can sum up most of technological development. Whether or not you think developing a technology is dangerous or not, someone will develop and acquire some sort of dangerous technology sooner or later. During WWII it was questioned whether or not developing the nuclear bomb was the right thing to do; however, Germany was developing one. Luckily, we defeated Germany without the use of nuclear weapons before they could, but had they had access to nuclear weapons before us, it would have been disastrous. The advancement of technology is inevitable, it is only a matter of how responsible the people using the technology that will determine our future's quality.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you point, I watched this movie before and really enjoyed it.I think what you said is that the purpose of making robots are focus on their functions these days. as in the movie Big Hero 6, Baymax has a lot of function such as detect the temperature, offer the first aid. The various functions of Baymax is based on what people need around them. As you said the technology does not has the mind of his own. however, the programmer or the users have the opportunities to use high-tech in a good way or bad. Tadashi, who is the creator if Baymax put a part of his personality into his robots. He wish Baymax would be used in a good way, with positive "personality" such as kindness, thoughtful, humanity, which is a good way. I wish that all the creators of robots or high technology have a good mind and a good purpose when they inventing things. Also, I wish the users of these technology will keep the good purpose when using it.
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