Canberra region author tells of robots and AI in new kids’ book

In a time where robots are no longer a science fiction fantasy and everyone has a world of information at their fingertips, what would a clever child do to get out of chores? Canberra region author, Gaz Anson explores the world of AI and how it could be misused in his new children’s book, Stop! Robot!

Building robots in his backyard from items found at the dump, Wally wants someone else to take on the boring chores that waste his time. Soon, he receives a promising offer to create a robot for someone, but can Wally trust his creation in the hands of another person? Adventure ensues, full of ups and downs, drones, robots and paths to be avoided in this witty battle of wills.

Having worked in IT Anson has a respect for emerging technologies, and is interested to see what people will invent. He says these new technologies, like the internet, are fantastic but have some weird aspects.

“There’s all sorts of unusual stuff coming through – driverless cars, that’s a robot in a sense. There’s a lot of terrifying aspects to it but also a lot of fun aspects,” Anson says.

The premise for Stop! Robot! came to the author like a dream that needed a bit of tidying; Anson says he doesn’t have any insight into the future of AI and no intention of it being a lesson book. Constantly hearing the misuses of AI, he fed into the zeitgeist when creating the story. He says the premise of AI is a mixed bag, and without regulation it has the potential to get away from us, while the abilities of AI imagery and Chat GPT are becoming incredibly advanced.

“I got it to write me a story the other day about a runaway robot, it was okay. I thought ‘hang on, you’re going to do me out of the job if you carry on like this’.” he says.

Anson has had a set of Teachers Notes developed to accompany the fun-filled robot adventures, meeting the relevant curriculum of Years 3-6. Primary school teachers will be able to share the book and refer to the guide on how discussions could further their understanding of the topic.

Stop! Robot! by Gaz Anson is available at The Book Cow in Kingston or online at gazanson.com

Full story online. - Jessica Cordwell