CCA’s study consultation in Cyberjaya explores the multifaceted intersections of humanoid robotics, artificial intelligence, and human development

Cyberjaya, Malaysia: Japanese social scientist Prof. Dr Takeshi Kimura, introducing the theme “Humanoid Robotics and Artificial Intelligence: Impacts on Human Development” in the second session of the CCA consultation, observed that in a rapidly evolving context, the distinction between human and artificial intelligence is often blurred, adding to the complexities.

“With the fast technological development, humans begin to wonder who a human is when facing and talking to an intelligent robot and AI,” said Prof. Dr Takeshi Kimura from the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Tsukuba, Japan.

Takeshi Kimura, a leading scholar in the field of study of religion, society, and technology, and Professor of Religious Studies, explored the multifaceted intersections of robotics, artificial intelligence, and human development.

Drawing from his extensive research on themes ranging from robo-ethics and machine creativity to religion and AI, Prof. Kimura underscored how technological advances increasingly compel societies to re-examine fundamental questions of human identity and existence.

“From ancient times, humans understood themselves in relation to divine figures. However, in the current technological age, humans and society have begun to think about who humans are in their relationship to the technological ecosystem and AI that governs society,” remarked Prof. Kimura.

In his presentation, Prof. Kimura highlighted issues such as techno-animism in Japanese cultural contexts, the fusion of human and machine through technologies like robot suits, and the dual-use nature of robotics that can serve both welfare and warfare. 

Prof. Kimura further explained how the prevalence of Sex Robots or “Love Dolls” in Japanese society could go beyond being perceived merely as objects of pleasure but serve as aid for disabled and sexually challenged individuals.

He also analysed the growing role of AI in education, raising questions about how generative AI tools such as ChatGPT may reshape the roles of teachers and redefine human-to-human relationships in learning.

“When facing a humanoid robot, the question of who and what a human being is inevitably re-emerges. We cannot help but ask not only what such a robot means for humanity, but also who we are and what it truly means to be human. In this encounter, new narratives continue to emerge,” argued Prof. Kimura.

While cautioning the tendency of uncritically adopting Western frameworks in the study of AI, he further contended that concepts of “intelligence” are historically tied to colonial and eugenic legacies, and stressed the need for Asian scholars to approach AI-related questions from within their own cultural and societal contexts.

“Although Western scholars from the leading countries that develop AI technologies have much to say about AI, it is important not to be confined solely by Western perspectives in examining and investigating AI-related issues. Scholars in Asia must instead address emerging issues from their own social and cultural contexts, rather than merely following Western frameworks,” reminded Prof. Kimura.

Concluding his address, Prof. Kimura raised thought-provoking questions about the future possibilities of so-called “physical AI”: the merging of robotics and artificial intelligence into a single entity, and even the recognition of digital consciousness.
 
“A day will come when AI scholars, AI companies, and global societies will agree to recognise the legal status of digital personality or digital consciousness as equal to biological consciousness,” he said. This, he argued, would return the discussion to deep spiritual and philosophical questions, including the notion of techno-animism and even the idea of collective memory.

The discussions, centred on Prof. Kimura’s presentation, encouraged participants to engage and re-engage in exploring the ethical and theological implications of robotics and AI in shaping human development, while also highlighting the need to open vital conversations on the responsibility of Asian societies and faith communities in synthesising the outcomes of these debates.