Universal robots as 'solutions' to wicked problems

Abstract

This work in progress discusses a persistent myth about robots, namely that 'future robots will be universal solutions', or in other words that robots should tackle many complex tasks and situations. In our approach we consider whether this is a case of posing robots as solutions to wicked problems or if robots can be considered wicked design problems in themselves. At the same time we make an argument for adopting a research through design approach. Our stance suggests that by viewing robots as composed of design materials we can sensitively address and in the long run perhaps even avoid wicked problems related to robotics.