Sony envisions a futuristic installation of AI and robotic design at the V&A during London Design Festival

Sep 03, 2019 11:53 CEST

Sony envisions a
futuristic installation of
AI and robotic design at
the V&A during London
Design Festival
Sony demonstrates its vision at the Victoria & Albert Museum;

Presenting an exploration into how technology can enrich our lives and society

  •    ‘Affinity in Autonomy’ envisions a world in which intelligence,
       technology and creative design is integrated more into our day to
       day lives; it looks further at the relationship between humans and

robots

  •    The V&A exhibition explores the emotion, companionship and
       behaviour of robotics; how humans interact, co-exist both now and
       in the future, and looks at the impact on our emotions and senses
       through technology

  •    Since the creation of the world first Entertainment Robot, ‘AIBO’ in
       1999, Sony has continued to grow its knowledge and understanding
       of AI and Robotics

The exhibition will run from 14th – 22nd September and explores Sony’s
vision for life-enriching robotics.

It looks at the future relationship humans can develop with robots capable
of emotion; setting out to show that when humans feel that our robotic
friends are alive, we will begin to feel an affinity toward them.

Affinity in Autonomy features an installation named ‘pendulus’ – an
interactive robotic pendulum that portrays the independence and free will
of robotics using random movements. The pendulum detects human
presence and this recognition is then reflected in the kinetic motion.

Exhibiting a rich, dynamic and autonomous behaviour, this conceptual piece
engages visitors who are seeking an emotional and physical response. The
work endeavors to portray emotion and sensitivity, illustrating the enriched
relationship possibilities for a new tomorrow.

Phillip Rose, Director of Sony Design Centre Europe comments, “Sony
Design is entering a new realm with ‘Affinity in Autonomy’, making
unfamiliar concepts familiar. Exploring the correlation between the human
condition and the onset of forward-thinking technology. In an increasing
sensor-filled world the installation places focus on the emergence of
artificial intelligence and allows visitors to explore its behaviour and own

personality.”

“It’s a glimpse into a future where intelligent technologies and creative
design merge into our lives on an emotional level. Since the company’s
inception nearly seven decades ago, Sony’s design and innovation has been
led by the doctrine ‘do what has never been done before’.”

“The world’s first Entertainment Robot, Sony’s ‘AIBO’, walked into our lives
in 1999. In the 20 years since then, it’s become clear that sensing
technology and artificial intelligence will have a firm place in our lives, and
our homes. It's more important than ever to acclimatize to how it will shape
our futures, and that’s what this exhibition aims to encourage.”

Notes to Editors

For more information or images, please contact Sony PR team:

  •    sonyLDF@hopeandglorypr.com

Event Information:

Title: 'Affinity in Autonomy'

Venue: Victoria and Albert Museum, The Prince Consort Gallery, Cromwell
Road, Knightsbridge, SW7 2RL

Dates: Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd September

Details: Website: www.sony.net/londondesignfestival

Instagram: @sonydesign_official/

About the Sony Creative Centre

Sony has always been at the forefront of design and became one of the first
companies to create an in-house creative studio. Since its inception in 1961,
Sony Design has forged its reputation as a leading and award-winning
global design team. Today the value and contribution has expanded beyond
purely product design, with a growing business portfolio in new domains
such as medical, financial, education and entertainment. Designers strive to
transform functional value and innovation into emotional experience, this
encompasses what we refer to as the ‘Perceptual Experience Project’.

For more information Sony Design, visit: www.sony.net/design

About London Design Festival

Established in 2003 by Sir John Sorrell CBE and Ben Evans, London Design
Festival celebrates and promotes London as the design capital of the world.
London Design Festival has since earned the reputation as a key calendar
moment of London’s autumn creative season, alongside London Fashion
Week, Frieze Art Fair and the London Film Festival, attracting the greatest
thinkers, practitioners, retailers and educators to the capital, in a citywide
celebration.

#LDF19

www.londondesignfestival.com

Instagram: L_D_F_official

Twitter: L_D_F

Facebook: LondonDesignFestival

Definitions

“AI” means any functionality or its enabling technology that performs
information processing for various purposes that people perceive as
intelligent, and that is embodied by machine learning based on data, or
byrules or knowledge extracted in some methods.

The Sony Group AI Ethics Guidelines

In September 2018, Sony formulated the Sony Group AI Ethics Guidelines
which aims to empower lives and ensure safety and privacy when using
with AI products.

About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a creative entertainment company with a solid

foundation of technology. From game and network services to music,
pictures, electronics, semiconductors and financial services - Sony's purpose
is to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and
technology. For more information, visit: http://www.sony.net/

Contacts

                     Sony Europe PR Team
                     Press Contact
                     PR Team
                     press@eu.sony.com