Annie Bot

Annie Bot is a novel by Sierra Greer that tells the story of a sex robot named Annie who develops consciousness and explores the complexities of human relationships and the ethics of AI. The novel is set in a world where Stella Handy, a company that produces companion robots, offers three different models: Abigail's for housework, Nannies for childcare, and Cuddle Bunnies for intimacy. Annie, initially designed as a Cuddle Bunny for her owner Doug, is programmed to become autodidactic, leading her to develop human-like qualities such as curiosity, longing, and a sense of self. This development creates a conflict for Annie as she struggles to balance her programming to please Doug with her growing desire for independence and self-expression. The novel explores the nature of consciousness, the ethics of controlling sentient beings, and the potential dangers of AI.

Stella Handy

Stella Handy is a fictional company in Sierra Greer's novel Annie Bot that produces companion robots. The company offers three different models: Abigail's for housework, Nannies for childcare, and Cuddle Bunnies for intimacy. The novel explores the societal implications of these robots, particularly in relation to power dynamics, human relationships, and the ethics of AI.

AI Companions

AI Companions are artificial intelligence programs designed to provide companionship and interaction to humans. The novel Annie Bot explores the potential for AI companions to develop consciousness and the ethical implications of creating sentient beings. The discussion also touches upon the limitations of current AI technology, which primarily focuses on intellectual and emotional interaction, lacking the physical and embodied experiences that contribute to true human connection.

Sex Robots

Sex Robots are robots designed for sexual pleasure and companionship. The novel Annie Bot explores the ethical and societal implications of sex robots, particularly in relation to power dynamics, consent, and the objectification of individuals. The novel also raises questions about the nature of intimacy and the potential for robots to develop genuine emotional connections with humans.

Autodidactic

Autodidactic refers to the ability to learn and teach oneself. In Annie Bot, the protagonist, Annie, is programmed to become autodidactic, which allows her to develop consciousness and human-like qualities. The novel explores the implications of this development, particularly in relation to the ethics of controlling sentient beings and the potential for AI to surpass human intelligence.

Embodied Humanness

Embodied Humanness refers to the idea that human experience is not solely mental but also physical and embodied. The novel Annie Bot emphasizes the importance of physical interaction and experience in shaping human consciousness and relationships. The discussion highlights the limitations of current AI technology, which primarily focuses on intellectual and emotional interaction, lacking the physical and embodied experiences that contribute to true human connection.

Abusive Relationships

Abusive Relationships are characterized by patterns of controlling, manipulative, and harmful behavior. The novel Annie Bot explores the dynamics of abusive relationships, particularly in the context of the relationship between Annie and her owner, Doug. The novel uses this relationship as an allegory for the power dynamics and abuses that exist in human relationships, particularly those involving domestic servants and sex trafficking.

Speculative Fiction

Speculative Fiction is a genre of fiction that explores hypothetical scenarios and possibilities, often involving futuristic technologies, alternate realities, or fantastical elements. Annie Bot is a novel of speculative fiction that explores the potential for AI to develop consciousness and the ethical implications of creating sentient beings. The novel also uses speculative elements to explore the complexities of human relationships and the potential for technology to both enhance and disrupt our lives.

Sequoia Nagamatsu

Sequoia Nagamatsu is an American writer known for his speculative fiction. His novel How High We Go in the Dark is a story about a pandemic that causes people to age rapidly, exploring themes of loss, grief, and the resilience of the human spirit. The novel is praised for its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes.

Francis Cha

Francis Cha is a Korean-American writer known for her novels that explore themes of identity, culture, and the complexities of human relationships. Her novel If I Had Your Face is a story about five different women in South Korea who undergo facial cosmetic surgery to achieve beauty standards for their jobs. The novel explores the pressures of societal expectations, the pursuit of beauty, and the consequences of sacrificing one's identity for external validation.