Race and robots: a critical discussion on discrimination and inclusion in robotics

Abstract This paper tackles the complex issue of "race" and "diversity" in contemporary robotics. Studies conducted by Sparrow (Sci Technol Hum Values 45 3 538 560) and Bartneck et al. (Proceedings of the ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human Robot Interaction, Chicago, 2018) concluded that the (mediated) image and (material) shape of robots reveal discrimination and segregation processes similar to those experienced by ethnic minorities in contemporary societies—and they are as such, machine embodiments of human racism. It is true that there seems to exist a formal standardisation of robots' appearance, often inspired by Western cultural models. But in the global and rapid developments of robotics, robots are also increasingly dyed with the colours of ethnic diversity—they are "racialised" to better fit alternative models (ethnic black robots, Asian-styled humanoids, and so on). Yet, most anthropomorphic robots are race-free. Beyond the burning issue of apparent/alleged "racism" in robot design and, by extension, the existence of the WEIRD ( Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, Democratic) complex in contemporary robotics and technologies, this paper examines different models of robots designed in countries from the Global South (Africa, Asia) and raises the fundamental ambivalence of robots that are both subjected to racism (as almost human) and racialised (coloured) / used as weapons of resistance against racial discrimination.