Living With Robots
FYSEMR 75C
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
The rapid growth of robotics and remote and automation technologies is reconfiguring the human machine relationship from industry to commerce, education, healthcare, public safety, security, and warfare. Machines’ extensive programmability and more-than-human physical and cognitive abilities have already altered our lives and, at times, threatened and, in some cases, replaced human competitors. What are the consequences of robots replacing humans? Who is more likely to be replaced, and are there jobs that robots should do instead of humans?
These are no longer questions only for the selected few; regardless of educational background and intended academic concentration, all students must reckon with the role of physical AI/robots in society—their promises and perils. Are robots as capable, autonomous, or dangerous as often depicted in the public imagination? Can robots save the world? If so, whose vision of the world do they actualize?
The seminar offers students opportunities to work closely with Boston Dynamics’ agile robot Spot and Unitree’s Go2 to learn “not to kick robots” and to imagine coexisting with them. The seminar’s readings, discussions, and in-class hands-on activities will push students to broaden their visions of potential uses and abuses of robots to “save the world” from our collective challenges of more frequent climate-induced disasters, international conflicts, public safety and security, and demographic shifts in the 21st century. This seminar welcomes first-year students interested in STEM, the social sciences, and/or the arts and humanities to think, feel, move, and interact with real robots while engaging in experimental, creative activities.
NOTE: This seminar includes a visit to Boston Dynamics Headquarters in Waltham.
POST-SEMINAR MODULE - Between January 13-21 (J -Term) students will travel to Fukushima and Tokyo, Japan. There will be no cost to students.
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
