The depiction of robots in science fiction is interesting taken over time, to see how the concept of them has developed. They have gone from clunky, metal monsters to more human-like.
I am an avid fan of science fiction (Sci Fi) and I wrote an earlier blog exploring my favorite sci fi TV series. In this blog I want to focus particularly on the depiction of robots in science fiction.
Depictions Of Robots In Science Fiction
Isaac Asimov, a famed American science fiction writer who wrote or edited more than 500 books was born in Russia. He was came to the USA with his family at the age of three years old.
I remember when I was at high school, reading a collection of Asimov’s robot stories called I Robot (not connected to the film of the same name staring Will Smith).
Interestingly, Asimov developed The Three Laws of Robotics. These are essentially a set of ethics for robots which was far ahead of the time and the technology that was available when conceived.
Three Laws Of Robotics
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A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
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A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
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A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.
I find these laws interesting given the rise in technology and increased use of robots in various fields that we see today, including healthcare.
Robotic Assisted Surgery
In medicine, robotic-assisted surgery is used quite widely. According to the Mayo Clinic:
The most widely used clinical robotic surgical system includes a camera arm and mechanical arms with surgical instruments attached to them. The surgeon controls the arms while seated at a computer console near the operating table. The console gives the surgeon a high-definition, magnified, 3-D view of the surgical site. The surgeon leads other team members who assist during the operation.
This gave me a flashback to the film Silent Running and the three robots Huey, Dewey and Louie. I seem to remember in that film the robots carried out surgery on a human.
Depiction Of Robots On TV and Film
In older science fiction films, robots are big, clunky, mechanical figures. Think B-9 in Lost in Space for example, or Robby The Robot in Forbidden Planet. However, Robby is given a clear personality. Also, an interesting fact about Robby is that he actually mentions the Three Laws of Robotics.
Fun robots include Twiki from the 1979 television series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (biddi-biddi-biddi). And let’s not forget R2-D2 and C-3PO from Star Wars.
One recurring them in science fiction is that of robots turning against their human creators. In the film, I, Robot, humanoid robots serve humanity and follow the Three Laws Of Robotics – until someone decides they shouldn’t. In The Terminator, the T-800 cyborg, a being with both organic and biomechatronic body parts, sent back through time to kill someone as part of a plan to eliminate mankind.
While a fantasy escape, it seemed fantastical. But, in the real world, robots are being developed to take part in warfare. It doesn’t quite meet the first law of robotics does it?
Androids
Most recently the depiction of robots in science fiction, particularly on TV and film has created more human-looking robots. Androids feature heavily in science fiction films and TV series. The most obvious one to mention is Data from Star Trek. One of the good guys, Lieutenant Commander Data wants so much to have human emotions!
Another android character, that actually looks human, is Number 6 from Battlestar Galactica. She is one of the first of a new generation of Cylons, a fictional race of robots at war with humanity. Number 6, was capable of adapting to human form and emotions.
It is interesting how it is easier for us to empathize with robots as they become more human-like.
I think we are a long way from reaching the type of robots we see in science fiction, but some of the latest models are being created with more human features. It is mind boggling to think how they might have developed by the time my grand niece, age 5, gets to my age! And what happens when depictions of robots in science fiction actually become reality?
Before you go
My name is Dorothy Berry-Lound an artist and writer. You can find out more about my art and writing at https://dorothyberryloundart.com.
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Thank you for reading!
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