I'M HERE - A LOVE STORY IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD BY SPIKE JONZE from IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD on Vimeo.

Lucy Gilliam pops along to the The Book Club for a 'Robots' evening where heated discussions took place. From our relationship and dependence on technology, to the crucial issues around environment and technology - specifically the decline of oil availablity. Pressing stuff! All rounded off with the romance of Spike Jonze's robo-love flick. Awe :-)


Off to the Science fair to see demonstrations of robotics technology. Cool! Met Zephyrus II a decapedal robot, shaped like a millipede but with less segments. Apparently totally extensible though. Most of the robots they design are mimics of nature and natural forms. I like the insect inspired robots. Apparently they are building a range of spider robots.

On a more serious note robotics technology is used to explore brain function, mechanics and physics. The applications of the robots range from medical to use in high risk laboratories or in war zones or mine clearance. As all the robots are powered, I enquired as to whether the robotics industry is worried about climate change, the advent of peak oil and interested in ecological issues such as energy generation. Not really was the response. There is a worry about the availability of oil as it's required for manufacturing most plastics. I quickly replied that it's a good reason then to make sure we don't squander the remaining resources on pointless ugly plastic bags and takeaway containers. And save the plastic for long term creations.

As I examined the robot hands on display my mind wandered as I mused about to what extent we, the modern human race are robots or cyborgs or evolving into a race of homo interneticus? To what extent are we dependent / manipulated / controlled by technology or are using technology to control others. Many people go to great lengths to chemically and physically modify their bodies and we have created tools that are essentially an extension of our bodies, minds and spirit in the form of mobile phones, sat-nav, laptops, skate boards, bicycles, the list goes on. Man and machine.

To what extent is our dependence on technology key to our survival or a dangerous path? Can you unplug? What would happen if Google malfunctioned and started to send us in the wrong places? Could be quite exciting but also challenging. Or a solar storm took out all the electricity? Would we still function as a civilised society? Could we feed, clothe, water, and entertain ourselves in a world without electricity and animated machines? Where would we go to for information if Wiki went down? Do you have back up? Good reason to keep the books and libraries! Regardless from the fact nothing feels better than a good book in bed or the bath. I really can't see the iPad replacing the joy of an old worn novel.

The final chapter of the evening was due to be the screening of Spike Jonze' film 'I'm here (see trailor above), a robot love story celebrating a life magically changed and enriched by creativity. The film is set in modern day L.A., where life moves at a regular pace with the exception of a certain amount of robot residents who live among the population. A male robot librarian lives a quiet lonely existence lacking creativity, joy and passion. He is a geeky robot with clunky limbs and too short trousers. Shy and retiring. That is until the day he meets an adventurous and free spirited female robot who's constant 'joie de vivre' lands her in a number of near fatal scrapes. These robots have been primarily crafted for the purpose of serving the menial tasks on behalf of humans but are gradually recognizing their existence of self in the world. In the process they are starting to say 'I'm here!' and experiencing and celebrating their life beyond the realms of their primary designed purpose. In the end the film is bittersweet and sad. Ultimately the male robot sacrifices himself to his dreamy but self destructive partner by giving all he has and is. His love for her goes beyond reason and his desire is that she lives over him. Love - a most dangerous drug. But also one of the most magic....

The next science fair goes on a field trip to the roof of the Queen of Hoxton for a soiree of Astronomy. Star gazing. Love it.