Conference: “Loved Machines: Robotics and Catalan Science Fiction”

The Humanities Library is organising the conference Loved Machines: Catalan robotics and science fiction on 22 April, an event designed to explore the links between technoscience and the humanities from a critical and interdisciplinary perspective.

The event is part of the Virtual Reading Club “Òrbita Lectora” and will take place in the Periodicals Room of the Faculty of Philosophy and Arts from 12:00 to 14:30. It will bring together specialists from various fields to address key issues related to artificial intelligence, robotics, and their representation in Catalan literature.

The programme will begin with a talk by Carme Torras, who will discuss visions of the future that encourage reflection and action. This will be followed by Víctor Martínez-Gil, who will analyse the presence of artificial consciousness in Catalan literature, while Sara Martín Alegre will explore the ethical challenges of robotics and digital technologies through Torras’s own work.

Next, Sergi Robles will address the risks and vulnerabilities of artificial intelligence systems and intelligent robots, focusing on unwanted behaviours that may emerge in real-world contexts.

The conference will conclude with a round table on Catalan science fiction narrative, featuring Carme Torras, Antoni Munné-Jordà, Sara Martín Alegre and Víctor Martínez-Gil, moderated by Lluc Casals Perpinyà.

Through this initiative, the Humanities Library aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and provide a space for reflection on the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies, as well as the role of literature in shaping future imaginaries.

Free entry with prior registration required.