See Related
Anthropology JournalsEmail Newsletters
Sign up for our email newsletters to get customized updates on new Berghahn publications.
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 Veling is Senior Specialist in Innovation and Digital with the Institute of Public Administration (IPA), Ireland. Prior to joining the IPA in May 2025, Louise held several lecturing and research positions with Maynooth University, including most recently Associate Professor in Sustainable Futures with the School of Business.
