Few weeks ago I was reading one of a dozen bulletins that I subscribe and also thinking about a post. I read about the new show of vintage Japanese robots opening at the Sci Fi Museum which interest me a lot (but Seattle is quite far from me at this moment) and also I surfed into Lisa’s blog where I read, “The first robot in the world was an Edo period miniature humanoid that served tea, circa 17th century.” Lisa Katayama



I was waiting for an approval from another person, from another site, to post about it. As she didn’t reply, I had to change my text and images. Such a shame... But that’s OK.

Karakuri Ningyo - 17th Century!

The Edo period is a division of Japanese history running from 1603 to 1868. Is also known as the beginning of the early modern period of Japan. The Edo period indeed saw an exchange of technology between East and West. In peaceful Edo period, Japanese culture civilized.



Japanese Karakuri, circa 1800, photographed at the British Museum

Karakuri Ningyō was the first automata in Japan created on Edo period.

Karakuri are mechanized puppets. The word 'Karakuri' means a "mechanical device to tease, trick, or take a person by surprise". It implies hidden magic, or an element of mystery. In Japanese ningyō is written as two separate characters, meaning person and shape. It may be translated as puppet, but also by doll or effigy. The dolls' gestures provided a form of entertainment. They influenced the Noh, Kabuki and Bunraku theatre.

Karakuri-zui was written by Hosokawa Hanzo Yorinao, and was published in the Edo period (1798). This Japan's oldest manuscript of mechanical engineering is consisted of three volumes, and they were reprinted in Osaka and Kyoto afterwards. This book details the structure and the making process of clocks and Karakuri mechanical dolls, and it explains not only about the techniques, but also about the spirit of making these mechanical devices. In those days, the technique was passed down to apprentices from their masters, and it was never allowed to go out public. When it was exhibited for the first time, it influenced the next generation of Karakuri masters, and even Hiraga Gennai was astonished by its mechanism. European was also amazed for Japanese technology without using steam, and it became known as the best technology in the world.



A filosofia das Karakuri está concentrada na tecnologia para evocar sentimentos e emoções.

O Japão tem uma longa história de rituais e dramaticidade no uso de bonecos. Eles representam a consciência da relação entre matéria e espírito. Até o final do século XIX eles não eram jogados fora ou reciclados, mas sim enterrados em cemitérios, em sinal de respeito. Também por serem moldados nas “formas humanas”, representam a consciência de que enquanto matéria e espírito podem parecer de diferentes ordens, mas uma vez que o espírito encontra a forma material, a matéria não pode retornar a simples matéria. Uma boneca não é uma mera soma de partes – cabeça, braços, pernas…

A visão de que tudo tem espírito é ainda muito forte no Japão. Eles acreditam que não só animais, mas também a natureza e os objetos inanimados tem espírito. Por isso tendem a projetar este sentido em robôs e máquinas. Mesmo criaturas virtuais, que no ocidente são chamadas de “virtual reality”, no Japão são chamadas de “intimate presence”.

Robôs são como amigos com inteligência superhumana e sentimentos reais. O Japão é o maior produtor de robôs e sua visão de século XXI é o da co-existência com eles. Robôs são parte da cultura japonesa e não apenas ferramentas industriais, eletrodomésticos ou brinquedos.

Karakuri é de grande influência na cultura japonesa até hoje, justamente pela mistura da tradição, da filosofia espiritual e da tecnologia.

O pensamento tradicional Budista também tem inspirado novas aproximações com a robótica e automação.

Masahiro Mori is a Japanese roboticist noted for his pioneering work on the emotional response of humans to non-human entities, as well as for his views on religion and robots. He has published many books on his specialty as well as on Buddhism. Mori founded The Mukta Institute that operates as a think tank, made up of technology specialists providing consultation to corporations on automation, robotisation and product development. They promote the fusing of Japanese spirit and technology and creative thinking. Members regularly meet to recite Buddhist scriptures, meditate and consider different problems in new ways.

THE BUDDHA IN THE ROBOT
A Robot Engineer's Thoughts on Science and Religion
by Masahiro Mori

Why does a robot engineer say, "I believe robots have the Buddha-nature within them—that is, the potential for attaining Buddhahood," as Masahiro Mori does in this book? How does an engineering specialist look at Buddhism? What relationship does he find between science and religion? What value does Buddhism have in our present technological age? As a scientist who attracts his reader through his practical approach and engaging style, Dr. Mori does not take them up into the high mountains to expound abstract philosophy. Instead, he keeps his feet firmly on level ground and his gaze focused on concrete matters. In graphic demonstrations of Buddhist principles at work, he offers a reliable guide for living in the complex world of modern society. "What Dr. Mori writes about merits reflection; and his writing charms and delights." —The Middle Way

wikipedia.org

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