For centuries, the West has idolized the figure of the hero: an individual who overcomes adversity through strength, intellect, or sheer will. From the epics of Homer to the blockbusters of Marvel, this hero archetype has shaped how we understand conflict, power, and even technology. It is no surprise, then, that the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the West has often followed a similar trajectory. AI systems are frequently framed as powerful tools or potential threats—mirroring the narrative of domination and control that pervades Western culture.

This mindset has manifested strongly in the portrayal of robots in Western media, where AI and robotics are frequently depicted as extensions of militaristic power or tools of warfare. From HAL 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey to Ultron in Avengers: Age of Ultron, these AI characters represent existential threats that must be controlled or destroyed. In these stories, robots and AI are rarely imagined as collaborators or companions. Instead, they are seen as machines that either augment human power or challenge it, often leading to destruction or conflict.

In the Marvel universe, for example, robots like Ultron are created with the intention of protecting humanity but quickly evolve into antagonists, reinforcing the idea that AI, if left unchecked, could become a force for domination rather than peace. Even Tony Stark’s J.A.R.V.I.S., while not an overt threat, is framed as a hyper-intelligent tool for war and defense, reinforcing the notion that AI’s primary function is to serve in battle. This portrayal is consistent with the Western tradition of viewing technology as a means of asserting control, especially in the context of defense contracting and military innovation.

This heroic, conflict-driven narrative has permeated real-world AI development as well. Much of the funding and focus for AI research in the West has been directed toward applications in surveillance, cybersecurity, and autonomous weaponry. As a result, AI is often seen as a tool for power, something that can be wielded to maintain dominance over adversaries or to mitigate existential threats. But this militarized vision of AI ignores the broader potential of technology to foster connection and support human emotional well-being.

A Different Path: Japan’s Spirituality and Robotics

In contrast to the West, Japan has followed a parallel path in its development of electronics and robotics, one deeply influenced by Shinto beliefs and the idea of kami, which sees spirits present in all objects, whether animate or inanimate. This cultural lens has created a more harmonious relationship between humans and machines in Japan, where robots are not feared as potential adversaries but embraced as potential companions and partners in everyday life.

From the 1950s onward, Japanese technology companies have produced machines that embody this philosophy. The early development of Sony’s transistor radios and Panasonic appliances laid the foundation for what would become a uniquely human-centered approach to design. These products were not just tools for efficiency; they were designed to integrate seamlessly into daily life, offering comfort and convenience in a way that respected the emotional needs of their users. This philosophy continued with innovations like Sony’s Aibo, the robotic dog, introduced in the 1990s as a companion robot designed to evoke emotional responses and companionship.

The influence of kami in the Shinto tradition encourages a view of machines as having their own kind of essence or spirit. This belief in the spirit-like quality of objects and machines has had a tangible impact on how Japanese society interacts with technology. From Toyota’s humanoid robots designed to assist the elderly to the beeping tones of Tokyo’s subway systems, the presence of machines is woven into the fabric of everyday life, not as a means of domination, but as a way to enhance human experience through connection and care.

This spiritual connection also translates into design thinking. Naoto Fukasawa, one of Japan’s most renowned industrial designers, has long championed the idea that great design should “dissolve into behavior.” Fukasawa’s work, from simple appliances to mobile devices, reflects the Japanese emphasis on subtle integration—technology that supports human behavior quietly and intuitively. In Japan, machines and devices are often designed to work in harmony with their users, creating an experience that feels natural and unintrusive. The gentle beeping sounds of Tokyo’s train stations, for example, guide passengers without overwhelming them, blending technology into the background of daily life as an aid rather than a master.

Japanese robotics also reflect this harmonious approach. Unlike Western robots designed for warfare, robots like ASIMO (created by Honda) were built for assistance and human collaboration. ASIMO’s purpose is not to dominate or replace humans but to help them—whether in performing tasks, assisting the elderly, or simply creating an environment of support. The design of such robots represents a fundamentally different view of technology: one that values empathy, connection, and care over power and control.

The Apple TV+ series Sunny, set in Japan, offers a vision of this alternative future. In Sunny, the protagonist Suzie is delivered an at-home assistant robot named Sunny after losing her husband and child in a plane crash. At first, Sunny is a burden, but as the relationship between Suzie and the robot deepens, Sunny becomes not just an assistant, but a friend, helping Suzie navigate her grief and isolation.

What makes Sunny remarkable is how the robot embodies a sense of emotional presence. Rather than merely functioning as a machine, Sunny becomes a real source of comfort and connection for Suzie. This relationship between human and machine feels authentic because Sunny is designed to mirror the emotional nuances of its human counterpart, responding to subtle cues and offering companionship in a way that is deeply intuitive. Sunny’s value isn’t in how well she completes tasks, but in how she understands and supports Suzie’s emotional journey, becoming a companion in her healing process. This is the future of AI we should imagine—one where machines are emotionally attuned, not just functional.

In contrast to the power-driven narratives of AI in Western media—where machines are often cast as threats or tools of domination—Sunny imagines a future where AI is a source of emotional support. Sunny is not a hero or a soldier. She is a companion, designed to help Suzie heal and reconnect with the world after tragedy.

From Heroes to Companions: The Path Forward for AI

The hero archetype, which dominates so much of Western culture, frames technology as a tool for power and control. This narrative has seeped into our development of AI, creating systems that are either cold and mechanical or designed to defend against an existential threat. The result is a technological landscape that feels distant and even alienating to the humans it is meant to serve.

But if we want AI to be approachable, we need to move beyond these heroic stories. The future of AI lies not in making machines that are stronger, smarter, or more powerful, but in making machines that are more attuned to our emotions—machines that help us navigate the complexities of life, support us in moments of vulnerability, and foster genuine human connection.

This shift requires us to reimagine the role of AI in our lives. Instead of seeing AI as a tool to be mastered, we must start seeing it as a companion—a partner in the human experience. Just as Sunny was designed to help Suzie through her grief, future AI systems should be designed to support us in the small, everyday moments of life. These machines should be capable of understanding our emotional states, anticipating our needs, and responding with empathy and care.

Rem Koolhaas once observed:

“As the noise level increases (see Times Square), the demands on our nervous systems accelerate. The ultimate luxury is focus and clarity. Museums are popular, not for their content, but for their lack of… you go, you look, you leave. No decisions, no pressure. Our ambition is to capture attention and then, once we have it, to hand it back to the consumer.”

This observation strikes at the heart of what AI should become: a technology that respects the boundaries of human attention. AI should capture attention when necessary but ultimately return focus and clarity to the individual, working in harmony with our emotional needs rather than overwhelming us with stimuli.

Connection Over Conquest: Designing for Love and Empathy

The future of AI does not need another hero. It needs a companion. AI should not be designed to conquer, defend, or control. It should be designed to support, to understand, and to connect. By focusing on love, empathy, and connection, we can create machines that enhance the richness of human life—not by solving grand challenges, but by helping us navigate the emotional complexities of daily existence.