Robots and androids in fiction are artificial beings, often created by humans, that mimic human appearance and behavior (androids) or perform tasks autonomously (robots). They range from humanoid to highly mechanized forms and are typically equipped with advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and sometimes, the ability to learn and evolve.
In narratives, robots and androids often explore themes like the relationship between humans and technology, ethics of artificial intelligence, and the nature of consciousness and identity. They can be portrayed as allies, adversaries, or neutral entities, influencing human characters and societies. Their depiction in media serves as a reflection of our hopes, fears, and ethical concerns about technology and its role in society.
The concept of robots and androids has evolved significantly in fiction. Early manifestations can be traced back to ancient myths and legends featuring mechanical beings and automatons. The industrial revolution and the subsequent rise of technology in the 19th and early 20th centuries influenced the portrayal of robots as mechanical workers in literature and plays. The mid-20th century, particularly in science fiction, saw the introduction of robots and androids with advanced artificial intelligence, reflecting growing interest in and fear of technological progress.
These characters were often used to explore ethical dilemmas about machine intelligence, autonomy, and the human-machine relationship, themes which have continued to develop with advancements in real-world technology.
The portrayal of robots and androids in fiction is likely to evolve with advancing technology and shifting societal attitudes. As artificial intelligence and robotics progress, narratives may feature more sophisticated and human-like androids, blurring the lines between humans and machines. Themes could shift to focus on integration and coexistence, exploring how these beings fit into human society.
Ethical considerations around autonomy, consciousness, and rights of artificial beings might become central. Also, the rise of virtual and augmented reality in storytelling could offer more immersive experiences with these characters. This suggests a future where robots and androids not only reflect technological possibilities but also deeper explorations of identity, morality, and the essence of being.
A robot can be defined as a physical embodiment of artificial intelligence that can take actions and create effects on the physical world. Robots also make decisions that make them useful as intelligence has become an essential component of robots. A robot can also be defined as a physical machine that’s programmable by a computer and execute tasks automatically by itself. A robot is essentially a physical embodiment of artificial intelligence.
The 3 Laws of Robotics were created by Isaac Asimov in the 1940s. The first law is that a robot may not injure a human being or allow a human being to be harmed. The second law is that a robot must obey the orders given by a human being except where it would conflict with the First law. The third law is that a robot must protect its own existence as long as it does not conflict with the First or Second law.
Joseph F. Engelberger is considered all over the world as the father of robotics. Joseph Engelberger was an American physicist, engineer, businessman and is referred to as the man responsible for the birth of one of the most impactful industries, robotics. He developed the first industrial robot in the United States in the 1950s. He was born in 1925 and died in 2015.
