Some of the most thought-provoking anime related to artificial intelligence (AI) include Ghost in the Shell and Psycho-Pass. These anime delve deep into the complexities of human interaction with AI from philosophical and ethical perspectives. While AI offers clear advantages, there are also many factors to consider in nurturing the idea of advancing AI.
Below are 10 science fiction anime that will make you reconsider the powerful presence of AI:
10. Plastic Memories
This anime focuses on androids called Giftia, developed by SAI Corporation, a company dedicated to creating AI. The main goal of SAI Corporation is to bring androids closer to humans in the most seamless way possible. SAI Corporation sets strict limits on android lifespans to ensure that these machines can coexist safely with humans. Although Giftia are known to lack emotional development, AI continually evolves throughout this anime.
Isla, a Giftia, often shows little or no emotional expression, even towards her partner, Kazuki Kuwanomi. After she undergoes a breakdown and collaborates with Tsukasa Mizugaki, Isla begins to develop emotions. She not only senses the feelings of the human but also cultivates emotional ties with Tsukasa. Although this anime does not explicitly state that AI should be treated as a sentient being, it showcases the intricacies of emotions and the human-like traits of AI.
9. Your Forma
Your Forma is set to premiere in the spring of 2025, focusing on the story of Echika Hieda and Harold W. Lucraft. Echika is a human investigator with an android partner controlled by AI, but Harold has the capacity to transform into a human. The beginning of the anime truly explores a secret network, attributed to the actions of AI.
The form of society shown here has become heavily dependent on AI, particularly when it is used for public safety. This anime presents a high level of faith in AI, especially when utilized for the purpose of ensuring public welfare.
8. NieR: Automata Ver1.1a
AI in NieR: Automata replicates human emotions and thought processes. This aspect is crucial as the protagonists navigate a society where they must care for humans. The YoRHa models contain remnants of human conscience embedded within them. This creates a blurred line between humans and androids, making it difficult to distinguish what truly defines humanity.
The ethical dilemmas faced by the AI in this anime continually provoke debate. The series addresses issues of identity and what it means to create beings that can surpass their creators.
7. Summer Wars
The main antagonist of Summer Wars is Love Machine, an AI created by a hacker. Although initially designed for hacking, it transcends boundaries after being unleashed in the virtual world OZ. Love Machine utilizes its power to manipulate data and access personal information, with the intent of achieving its own objectives.
Summer Wars serves as an excellent example of how AI can influence society as a whole. Love Machine not only disrupts the digital landscape but also impacts the real world.
6. Carole & Tuesday
Carole & Tuesday is set in a future where AI has taken over the music industry. In this world, every song is generated by AI, making it difficult for human artists to make their mark. The two protagonists, Carole and Tuesday, strive to create music that resonates with humanity amidst the AI-dominated landscape.
The narrative of Carole and Tuesday is significantly more nuanced than one might expect. The presence of AI permeates various creative spaces, especially in the arts.
5. Psycho-Pass
The Sibyl System in Psycho-Pass is a significant part of everyday life for citizens in Japan. It determines whether individuals are potential criminals based on their mental state, impacting their futures. The system encourages people to avoid negative thoughts and behaviors to prevent being classified as a criminal.
Psycho-Pass showcases how people can become desensitized under the AI system, raising questions about morality and personal freedom.
4. Vivy – Fluorite Eye’s Song
This anime is set in a world where AI and humans coexist peacefully. The main character, Vivy, is an AI singer who must protect her mission while grappling with the implications of her existence. The narrative unfolds as Vivy embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her purpose and the role of AI in society.
3. Pluto
Pluto follows Gesicht, a robot detective investigating the mysterious deaths of both humans and robots. However, all suspicions lead to notable distinctions: there is life embedded in their core. Pluto delves deep into the complexities of AI and its related themes, such as morality and identity. Robots in Pluto possess emotions and thoughts about how humans interact with them.
2. Ergo Proxy
Ergo Proxy tackles complex themes surrounding AI and humanity. An AI society created by humans, known as Proxy, is thrown into turmoil as these beings begin to seek their identity and purpose. In a post-apocalyptic setting, these Proxies evolve and struggle with their existence.
One Proxy named Ergo emerges and is created to fulfill a mission that involves interactions between humans and Proxies. Ergo Proxy explores the depths of AI use and the boundaries that separate humanity from artificial beings.
1. Ghost in the Shell
In Ghost in the Shell, AI represents a powerful force that has integrated seamlessly into humanity. The AI in this anime has reached a level of self-awareness that allows it to question what it means to be human. Emotion is a key focal point for both humans and AI. As AI approaches the realms of human-like consciousness, it raises questions about what defines humanity.
Source: CBR
