Are we living in a robot cargo cult?

ABSTRACT

We use the Cargo Cult metaphor to discuss visions, methods and communication of robot research. Essentially cargo cult involves performing of imitative rituals that are conducted without understanding the underlying cause of a phenomenon. We discuss how this is an ongoing challenge within the field of HRI, and what researchers could do to avoid contributing to a robotic cargo cult.

REFERENCES

• 1: Feynman, R., Cargo Cult Science, in Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! Reprint edition, 1997, W.W. Norton & Company.
• 2: Lars Erik Holmquist, Prototyping: generating ideas or cargo cult designs?, interactions, v.12 n.2, March + April 2005 [doi>10.1145/1052438.1052465]
• 3: Jacopetti, G., F. Prosperi, and P. Cavara, Mondo Cane. Available as: Blue Underground DVD, BU1011DVD. 1962: Italy.
• 4: J. F. Kelley, An empirical methodology for writing user-friendly natural language computer applications, Proceedings of the SIGCHI conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, p.193-196, December 12-15, 1983, Boston, Massachusetts, United States [doi>10.1145/800045.801609]
• 5: Lindstrom, L., Cargo Cult: Strange Stories of Desire from Melanesia and Beyond 1993: University of Hawaii Press.
• 6: Steve McConnell, Cargo Cult Software Engineering, IEEE Software, v.17 n.2, p.11-13, March 2000
• 7: David G. Stork , Arthur Charles Clarke, Hal's Legacy: 2001's Computer as Dream and Reality, MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 1996

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.5 ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.m Miscellaneous

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.m MISCELLANEOUS

General Terms:
Theory

Keywords:
human-robot interaction, robotics research, robots in popular culture