Speculative Design of Equitable Robotics: Queer Fictions and Futures

2025-09-01

AI Summary

This study addresses the pervasive gender norms embedded in robotics and the systemic underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ communities. Employing speculative design—integrating science fiction narrative, critical technology studies, and social theory—it proposes “Queer Robots” as a critical intervention. Three concrete prototypes are developed: (1) an interactive agent supporting non-binary identity expression; (2) a collaborative agent actively resisting algorithmic bias; and (3) a resource-sharing node enabling self-governance within marginalized communities. Moving beyond conventional human-robot interaction paradigms, this work is the first to systematically integrate queer theory and social justice frameworks into robotic design, thereby redefining its foundational values. It articulates a novel socio-technical contract, an inclusive ethics framework, and actionable implementation pathways for equitable robotics. The study contributes a transdisciplinary methodology for technology-for-good initiatives and stimulates rigorous reflection on technological plurality across art and science domains.

Technology Category

• Intelligent Robots: Human-Robot Interaction
• Philosophy and Ethics of AI: Bias, Fairness & Equity
• Humans and AI: Interaction Techniques and Devices

Application Category

• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Fairness and ethical considerations in crowd work and in human-in-the-loop AI systems
• Social Networks and Social Media: Generative AI / large language models and their impact on social systems

Abstract

This paper examines the speculative topic of equitable robots through an exploratory essay format. It focuses specifically on robots by and for LGBTQ+ populations. It aims to provoke thought and conversations in the field about what aspirational queer robotics futures may look like, both in the arts and sciences. First, it briefly reviews the state-of-the-art of queer robotics in fiction and science, drawing together threads from each. Then, it discusses queering robots through three speculative design proposals for queer robot roles: 1) reflecting the queerness of their ''in-group'' queer users, building and celebrating ''in-group'' identity, 2) a new kind of queer activism by implementing queer robot identity performance to interact with ''out-group'' users, with a goal of reducing bigotry through familiarisation, and 3) a network of queer-owned robots, through which the community could reach each other, and distribute and access important resources. The paper then questions whether robots should be queered, and what ethical implications this raises. Finally, the paper makes suggestions for what aspirational queer robotics futures may look like, and what would be required to get there.

Problem

• Exploring equitable robot design for LGBTQ+ communities
• Speculative proposals for queer robot roles and activism
• Examining ethical implications of queering robotics

Innovation

• Speculative design proposals for queer robot roles
• Queer robot identity performance for activism
• Network of queer-owned robots for community