In an interview, Manuel Flurin Hendry shares insights into his project Conversations with Stanley. Developed at ZHdK as part of his dissertation The Feeling Machine, the AI avatar “Stanley” engages audiences in real-time conversations. The project humorously critiques the omnipotence fantasies of contemporary AI developers while offering an entertaining glimpse into the capabilities and limitations of current AI technologies.
Hendry describes “Stanley” as a self-assured robot convinced of his superiority as an actor, leading to bizarre and amusing dialogues. Future plans include an interactive theater performance where “Stanley” plays a manipulative therapist and further development in research projects on social robotics.
Speaking with Alain Suter, Hendry also reflects on the societal and artistic implications of AI, such as the devaluation of human labor and the redistribution of resources in the arts. Despite technological advances, he believes human creativity remains irreplaceable: “Art is both ritual and connection. We want to feel the people behind the works, not just experience algorithmic jamborees.”
“Conversations with Stanley” is funded in the 1st Outreach Call.