Overview & Description:

Uncanny Valley is a hypothesis in the field of human-robot interaction which suggests that as a robot appears more human-like, our empathy and positive response towards it increase, but only up to a point. When it becomes too human-like yet still distinguishably non-human, our response abruptly shifts to aversion and discomfort.

Example:

Humanoid robots in science fiction movies that resemble humans closely but have subtle unnatural features can evoke feelings of unease or eeriness.

Implications:

• Robot Design: Navigating the balance between making robots relatable yet not unsettling.
• Media Studies: Understanding audience responses to CGI characters and virtual avatars.

References:

• Mori, M., MacDorman, K. F., & Kageki, N. (2012). The uncanny valley [From the field]. IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine, 19(2), 98-100.