Programs

Japan: The Utopia of AI Robots

As much of the world wonders whether artificial intelligence poses a threat to human existence, Japan sees it as a possible solution to many of its problems. Are we at a point of no return with the onset of AI? 

In Japan, the government, scientists and most of the population see AI and robots as a solution to a multitude of issues. The Japanese perception of these technologies is very different from the Western one, for reasons as diverse as the particular demographic needs of an increasingly aging society, the influence of manga and anime, or spiritual beliefs. But does everyone in Japan really believe that the future could be a utopia, where we will work less, live longer and merge with AI – or that AI might even help us conquer space? 

In this episode, Point of No Return travels to Japan to interview a world-renowned android expert, Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro, who shares his vision of a near future where AI and androids help overcome limitations of the human body. We also show the experimental version of Hikari, a virtual couple made by Japanese company Gatebox using ChatGPT technology; introduce Rootpor – the first author to create a manga using only creative AI tools – and the first Buddhist android monk; and talk to Professor Takagi, a neuroscientist who, with the help of AI, is able to read minds.

PRODUCTION INFO

  • Year: 2023
  • Duration: 20 mins
  • Production: TV3
  • Director: Raül Gallego Abellán
  • Available Versions: ENG
  • Country of production: Spain

Documentaries

In Development

Reports

Series

Related Programs

Sweden’s Criminal Gangs: Segregation

Together with 'Sweden's Criminal Gangs: Teen Hitmen, these two special episodes of the Emmy-Award winning series 'Point of No Return' explore the wave of gang violence and shootings in Sweden that has taken everyone by surprise.

More info

Armed and Divided We Stand: Civil War Anxiety in America

This episode of the Emmy Award winning series "Point of No Return" delves into the intense polarisation and increasing tensions in the US during the 2024 presidential campaign. Is the fear of a coming civil war justified or merely paranoia amplified by social media?

More info

The Last Crossing

Are we at a point of no return when it comes to how Europe and the UK treat illegal migrants? Is dehumanising and criminalising migrants the answer to a problem that is predicted to increase? 

More info