Re-Writing the Script of AI SPEC was an installation at the Ars Electronica Festival 2024, where European citizens were asked to reinterpret speculative future scenarios from existing Japanese comics.

 

Initiated by Mitsubishi Electric, the AI SPEC series explores ethical questions surrounding AI, aiming to spark critical discussions about its impact on our lives. In collaboration with Hakuhodo Inc. and the Ars Electronica Futurelab, Mitsubishi Electric had the goal to incorporate European perspectives on the future use of AI—especially in light of the newly introduced EU AI Act, which bans high-risk technologies such as social credit systems, imposes strict regulations on robotic surgery, and ensures transparency for chatbots.

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One comic was displayed in large format on a magnetic wall, allowing festival visitors to engage directly with the images using curated questions and magnetic speech bubbles. Additionally, objects featured in the comic were integrated into the installation to make the speculative scenarios more tangible. Two other comics were available as magazines, and visitors could share their thoughts via a QR code-linked survey.

 

The Ars Electronica Futurelab applied my method, "Re-Writing the Script," which encourages the development of "future heterotopias"—realistic future scenarios that are optimistic yet acknowledge potential challenges, rather than being attached to utopian or dystopian narratives.

 

In addition to the installation, I curated, implemented, and moderated a "Dialogue Breakfast," bringing together experts, artists, academics, and activists to discuss the ethical use of AI. Over breakfast and a relating workshop, participants shared their perspectives on "Re-Writing the Script of AI SPEC." Insights from these discussions contributed to a report by Hakuhodo, highlighting differences in public perceptions of future AI applications in Europe and Japan.