Hearts Meet Wires: Navigating the Ethical and Social Implications of Care Robotics

Over the past two decades, Japan has witnessed the emergence of emotional technologies, with some people going so far as to hold symbolic wedding ceremonies with their favourite robots, holographic spouses, and 2D characters. The entertainment industry and Japanese pop culture, encompassing anime and manga, have strategically responded to this growing demand for mōsō ren’ai or “delusional love.” The phenomenon of emotional attachment to technologies may be due in part to the erosion of family bonds, intergenerational support and community networks in the country – a phenomenon not unique to Japan. However, what is striking in Japan is that the government there has produced particularly hyped narratives around supposedly “intelligent” and “caring” machines. Such futuristic visions aim to sustain the development of care technologies to help address the complex socio-economic issues emerging from a rapidly aging society. While acknowledging the potential benefits of these technologies, this chapter critically reflects on how an excessive reliance on such devices may risk devaluing human relationships and reinforcing social isolation, particularly among vulnerable populations. Through highlighting the significant social, ethical, and technological complexities that need to be addressed before robots enter care spaces, the chapter advocates for care-driven and human-centred innovation.