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Cyborgs of the Ecocene
What Robots Can Teach Us about Being Human in a Calamitous World
Louise Veling
194 pages, bibliog., index
ISBN 978-1-83695-588-7 $120.00/£92.00 / Hb / Not Yet Published (August 2026)
eISBN 978-1-83695-591-7 eBook Not Yet Published
Reviews
“The book excels in blending ethnographic fieldwork with critical analysis of AI/robotics' sociopolitical dimensions...it is not only a valuable antidote to overly abstract theorizing but also shows and contributes to a cross-disciplinary engagement with anthropology, STS, phenomenology and ethics.” • Wendelin Küpers, Karlshochschule International University
Description
The question of the human/non-human boundary remains unanswered today. This book explores the relationship between people, society and nature through the lens of robots and robotics research. Blending ethnographic fieldwork with critical analysis and literature, it develops an original interpretation of contemporary technology – that a deeper understanding of the field leads to a greater appreciation for human embodiment and creativity, rather than a belief in imminent machine intelligence.
Louise Velingis Senior Specialist in Innovation and Digital with the Institute of Public Administration (IPA), Ireland. She holds a PhD in Anthropology from Maynooth University and has lectured in social theory, qualitative research and sustainable futures.
