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Director at the Center for Computer-Mediated Epistemology

Henrik Schärfe is Director of the Center for Computer-Mediated Epistemology at Aalborg University in Denmark, where he researches what technology can help us know and how technology can help us understand what it is to be human. He intends to use the robot to probe “emotional affordances” between robots and humans, as well as “blended presence”. In May 2011, Henrik revealed a robotic version of himself, called a Geminoid-DK. In 2012 he has been listed on the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.

“Henrik Schärfe lives with two bodies. One was born in Denmark in the late sixties, and one was born in Japan in 2011”
TEDxBrussels

[expand title=”In detail”] The Geminoid-DK is a tele-operated Android in the geminoid series. Its actions are controlled remotely by a person operating a computer, but it is programmed with Schärfe’s own unique body movements, such as shrugs and glances. He is also the principle investigator of the Geminoid-DK research project. The android regularly receives guests at his office at the university, and also takes part in events and experiments in many different locations, trying to shed light on human robot relations. The Geminoid is an amazing thinking tool that replenishes power to some very deep questions, including the role that technology plays in our present and future lives.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Prof. Henrik Schärfe talks about blended presence where he can be present, or absent, in two places at the same time. Giving an object a face or a voice and we can project our humanity upon it. He shares with his audiences how machines are not rivals or friends; they are tools. Contemplating them helps us learn more about ourselves and how best to shape our future.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Prof. Schärfe sees the world with a different set of eyes and he is very practical in putting new ideas into practice. His tailored presentations will be unlike anything you have ever seen before and are guaranteed to amaze and amuse audiences at prestigious events around the world.[/expand]

Watch a video presentation of Prof. Henrik Schärfe

Topics

Artificial Intelligence

The Role of Technology

Boundaries between Humans and Machines

Roboticist

Publications

2009
Conceptual Structures in Practice (Chapman & Hall/CRC Studies in Informatics Series)

2006
Conceptual Structures: Inspiration and Application

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