Robot Science Fiction

What is Robot Science Fiction?

Robot Science Fiction is, as its name indicates, Science Fiction that has a central theme of robotics.

Robots, Androids, and Artificial Intelligences are related types of technology that are significant to Robot Sci Fi. A robot is an artificial device, or being, that is mechanical. An android is a robot that looks less like a machine and more like a human. Artificial intelligence is computer generated intelligence, which is often paired with robots.

Robot Sci Fi expresses one of three general feelings: pro-robot, anti-robot, and ambivalence. A pro-robot story features robots who follow a hard-wired code and tend to be benevolent servants. The plot of an anti-robot story features a conflict or confrontation. An ambivalent story explores the incredible usefulness of robots, but also a sense of anxiety about human-like, mechanical intelligences.

It is impossible to discuss Robot Science Fiction without talking about Isaac Asimov, who created the term “robotics” and its three laws:

1: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm;

2: A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law;

3: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law;

The Zeroth Law: A robot may not harm humanity, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm.

― Isaac Asimov, I, Robot

Asimov may be a cornerstone of Sci Fi and robot literature, but the world was first introduced to mechanical people in the 1927 film Metropolis. This film introduces a machine that looks like a person, but has no humanity. Interestingly, the appearance of the “Machine-Man” in Metropolis has become a design template for robots.

If you want our specific recommendations, check out our Best AI Books and Best Robot Books lists.