Joanne Pransky: Rest in Peace (1959-2023)

It is with nice disappointment that I’m sharing that Joanne Pransky, the World’s First Robotic Psychariatrist, and who Isaac Asimov referred to as the actual Susan Calvin handed away not too long ago. I had a number of delight conversations along with her, together with an interview and moderated panel.

Joanne was a tireless advocate for robotics AND for girls in robotics. She didn’t have superior levels in robotics however had labored within the robotics trade after which in robotic commerce journals- she had fairly the attention for locating actually helpful expertise versus hype. Her enthusiasm and fervour for continuously studying was an inspiration to me and I used to be privileged to know her as a good friend. I interviewed her just a few years in the past about Asimov which you’ll be able to see right here. She factors out how wonderful Asimov was- at 19 years previous writing about robots and imagining them in a optimistic manner, as helpers, companions, instruments to allow us to do extra of the “human” stuff- not the shoot-em-up, take over the world Frankenstein monster motif. Joanne was one of many first to actually push what’s now referred to as human-centered robotics– that there’s all the time a human concerned in any robotic system.

Since she knew Asimov, she was in a superb place to debate Dr. Susan Calvin- attainable the worst stereotype of a girl roboticist ever- no household, no buddies, completely obsessed by work. You positively ought to hear her discussion- I don’t need to spoil it by attempting to paraphrase it. I don’t know if Alec Nevala-Lee, the creator of Astounding:John W. Campbell, Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, L. Ron Hubbard, and the Golden Age of Science Fiction- a terrific e-book, it is best to learn it, would agree but it surely positively provides a brand new dimension to understanding- and enjoying- Asimov’s robotic tales.

I additionally moderated the 100 Years of R.U.R. panel with Joanne and Jeremy Brett for the 2021 We Robot convention. Her speak and feedback have been sensible. While I had all the time heard that “robot” got here from the Czech phrase “robota”, she identified that “robota” stems from the Greek work “orphanos” which suggests a change in standing (like being orphaned) – the place the “o” and “r” are switched in Slavic languages. So the roots in R.U.R. aren’t simply drudgery, it’s that being a robotic can be a decrease standing. Both phrases convey precisely what Capek was attempting to precise concerning the dehumanization of employees. What an fascinating element!

That sums up Joanne: sensible, seeing issues that others missed, heat, optimistic, enthusiastic, participating, wanting everybody to know extra, do extra, have a greater life by way of robotics.

Joanne, I miss you.

And for those who by no means met her, please take a look at her interview: