This article analyses three aspects of human and robotic eyes: (1) the eye as an object that evokes visceral reactions from observers when it is exposed or threatened; (2) the eye and brain, sensor and computer as mediators of vision and interpreters of visual worlds; and (3) the gaze as a mode of communication in interpersonal/human–robot interaction. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this article draws on neuroscience, human–robot interaction, critical humanities, feminism and film studies to interrogate these three aspects of eyes as they relate to the design, theorisation and experience of social robots. We argue that some of the meanings and imaginaries associated with biological eyes are transferred and translated into robotic eyes, vision and gaze, or eye machines, following the tendency towards anthropomorphism. These imaginaries are made visible particularly in science fiction. We argue that photography, the cinematic apparatus, digital sensors and artificial intelligence are not only engineering innovations but have also contributed to transformations in the contemporary collective visual world. Our multimethod cultural studies analysis of eye machines has relevance for cultural theorists, designers and engineers.

本文分析了人类和机器人眼睛的三个方面：（1）眼睛作为物体，当它受到暴露或威胁时会引起观察者的本能反应；(2) 眼睛和大脑、传感器和计算机作为视觉的中介和视觉世界的解释者；(3) 凝视作为人际/人机交互中的一种交流方式。本文采用跨学科的方法，借鉴神经科学、人机交互、批判人文、女权主义和电影研究，探讨眼睛的这三个方面，因为它们与社交机器人的设计、理论化和体验有关。我们认为，随着拟人化的趋势，与生物眼睛相关的一些含义和想象被转移并翻译成机器人眼睛、视觉和凝视或眼睛机器。这些想象在科幻小说中尤其明显。我们认为摄影、电影设备、数字传感器和人工智能不仅是工程创新，而且还促成了当代集体视觉世界的变革。我们对眼睛机器的多方法文化研究分析与文化理论家、设计师和工程师有关。