Are we living in a robot cargo cult?

We use the Cargo Cult metaphor to discuss visions, methods and communication of robot research. Essentially cargo cult involves performing of imitative rituals that are conducted without understanding the underlying cause of a phenomenon. We discuss how this is an ongoing challenge within the field of HRI, and what researchers could do to avoid contributing to a robotic cargo cult. Categories and Subject Descriptors I.2.9 [Computing Methodologies]: Robotics, K.4.0 [Computers and Society]: General General Terms Design, Human Factors, Theory Keywords Robotic cargo cult, HRI

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2009
• Where: HRI
• Authors: Ylva Fernaeus, Mattias Jacobsson, Sara Ljungblad, Lars Erik Holmquist
• Keywords: Cargo Cult, Cargo Cult Metaphor, HRI 2009, Human Computer Interaction, Robotic Cargo Cult