One prominent component of science fiction literature and film involves some kind of futuristic technology. Spaceships that travel light-years in a matter of seconds or time-machines that bring individuals generations or centuries into the past or future seem out of reach; however, the robots depicted in films and stories that once seemed so incredible are recently becoming a common part of the world we live in today. From the Siri on our phones to actual personal assistant robots used by many people around the globe, robots that were once science-fictional are becoming a reality. Several of the robotic characters of science fiction literature and film are represented by real products we have today; similarly, the fear involved with the robotic …show more content…
characters are also becoming a reality as our generation becomes more dependent on this technology. The most common theme involved with robot stories is the story of their creation; the human inventors feel as if they are God creating a new race. This theme is commonly used in many science fiction works, such as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in which Dr. Frankenstein is overwhelmed with his pride in creating life from death as well as being the first one to do so. Similar to the stories of the book of Genesis, these creations are also made in the creator’s image, much like humans were made in the image of God himself. By giving robotic or artificial intelligence characters human-like qualities, science fiction authors and directors also give them a sense of humanity. Stories involving robots, androids, or artificial intelligence computers often compare their kind and our own. They may look, sound, or act just as human, if not more, than we may. For example, consider the supercomputer Hal from the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey directed by Stanley Kubrick. In the introduction to the space travel, Kubrick’s audience is given the eerie feeling that Hal has more human-like qualities than the crewmembers through his telling of jokes, playing of games, and singing of lullabies. What is eerier still, is that Hal’s revolt against the crew and the attempt to take the ship for himself may be the most human quality of all. The problem with machines such as Hal or the NS-5 robots of Alex Proyas’ 2004 film I, Robot, is that their physical qualities, such as voices, appearances, and behaviors, are extremely human-like. If one was to try to destroy one of these machines, it would not be as simple as unplugging a toaster or throwing away a TV; rather, it would be almost as if killing another person. As you hear Hal’s lullaby of death or look into the eye of an NS-5, watchers of the films get the uneasy feeling that the machines coming to their deaths may be more human-like than we think. Due to these numerous human-like qualities, robots in science fiction are typically trying to determine what they are, if not human.
They feel alienated by their strong differences but linked to the human population by their similarities. For example, in Ridley Scott’s 1982 film, Blade Runner, the humanoid replicants were not human, but a bioengineered lifeform with superior strength, intelligence, and agility. They look, sound, and act human, and many people would be unable to recognize the difference between a replicant and a human. Roy, the leader of the replicants, seeks out their creator, Tyrell, to demand that they have an extended life rather than four years. If they are so alike to humans, why should they have any less rights? They are seen as more than a machine, but not quite human. This relationship is often used throughout science fiction to relate to slavery or the outcaste system that is seen throughout our own society and its history. In the times where slavery was abundant throughout the United States and the world, slaves were seen as more than animals, but not quite people. It also fits the background of the name “robot” which was derived from the word “robota” which is Czech for “forced labor” (Science”). The parallelism serves as the perfect method to open up readers or viewers to the idea of the loss of humanity. Hank Peliissier, writer for the Institute for Ethics & Emerging Technologies, writes about the ways science fiction stories, as well as today’s society, treat robots as a type of slave, programmed only to perform some sort of labor. Pellissier states that robots will, “do all the tedious demeaning dangerous chores that make actual humans with imaginations go crazy and jump off buildings. Robot slaves will toil in sweatshops, factories, laboratories, mines and farms 24/7; they’ll clean toilets, assemble toys, and gut chickens without complaint” (Pellissier). Robots are used for the jobs we do not want, and are unappreciated for the
work they do. For example, robots such as the NS-5s are used to serve their purpose as housekeepers and assistants, and then are simply tossed out when no longer needed or a newer model arrives. In the times of slavery, the workers were replaced by younger, more capable laborers when they became old, injured, or sick. Slave owners often did not care what happened to the replaced workers, as long as their labor was being done. One can see this with the technology those in our current society use daily. As soon as a new iPhone is released, we simply trade in for the better model. It is easier for us because the machines we trade in do not have a face. However, think about feelings you may have had when throwing away or selling a computer, car, or any machine. One cannot help but feel a bond between his or herself and the object, even if it is not living. Although most machines are not used for any form of a relationship, it is not uncommon in today’s society. From comforting those with social disorders to aiding the disabled or elderly in their common tasks about their homes, it is not unusual to see someone with an assisting robot. David, the child humanoid robot from Brian Aldiss’ short story, “Super-Toys Last All Summer Long,” has the sole purpose to exist as Monica and Henry Swinton’s child as they await permission from the government to have their own. Or consider Tony from Isaac Asimov’s, “Satisfaction Guaranteed.” Tony is brought into Claire’s house to help with the housekeeping and décor for her husband when he returns from his business trip. These types of robots have the simple purpose to bring comfort to their owners, much like the assisting robots we have today. For example, the Japanese invention Paro, a seal-like robot, that is used to comfort the elderly. Alex Hudson, writer for BBC News, explains the benefits of this type of machinery. Elderly individuals are comforted by Paro and feel as if he is a friend that understands their feelings; they look to him for comfort when they are alone. Although it aids in keeping individuals company, Hudson explains how this type of dependency is threatening to replace the caretakers or loved ones of the owners (Hudson). Much like Palo, Asimov’s character, Tony, is used to show the benefits technology can offer humanity in the social sense. Tony is the sole reason for Daisy’s confidence boost and comfort after feeling depressed and unwanted by her husband. The “love” that Tony shows her, even if only programmed, reaches out to her and makes her feel her self-worth. However, Aldiss uses Monica’s distant feelings for David to depict how technology could never replace the relationship between two humans; Monica would never feel as if David is truly her son, and robots, such as Palo, could never replace human interaction. As time passes by, our society, and especially the younger generation, is becoming more and more reliant on technology in many general aspects as well as socially, and the consequences could be dire. The relationship today’s society has with technology is headed down a dangerous path. We are becoming so dependent on our machines that individuals can hardly function without the aid of the technology they have ready at their hands daily. It is hard to imagine taking a road trip to a new area without the aid of Siri’s directions. If technology continues to evolve at the rate it currently is, we step closer to living in a world where humanoid robots are the norm. The idea of some kind of major “blackout” that results in the loss of all machinery is not the only fear our technology-dependent generation faces. As technology advances and the human race depends on it, a future in which humans are at war with their creations is a possibility. Like the rebellion of the NS-5 robots or the replicants humanoids, the smarter we make our technology, the more dangerous they become. The point at which they become too dangerous is when humans have made them too smart, and trust them too much. For example, Siri is our personal artificial intelligence aid and we follow any directions she gives us. Road signs and maps are ignored, and the robot is given all of our trust. We trust them to perform a variety of actions, such as manual labor, information research, defusing bombs, and even performing intricate processes like surgery. For example, N.G. Hockstein and his colleagues, writers for the Journal of Robotic Surgery, describe the intricate work of surgical robots and their advancement of the medical field. Since their first application in 1985, surgical robots have advanced astronomically, first beginning with simpler surgeries, such as to replacements, to neurosurgery (Hockstein). Often times, if people are given the choice between a human and a robotic surgeon, they choose the robot for their practically guaranteed accuracy. People forget that they are placing their trust into something that can malfunction at any time. Robots are used in many fields of work today because they are consistently smarter and more efficient than humans. If they are smart enough to perform our jobs, where does it stop? The combination of increased intelligence, strength, human-like qualities, and our trust can turn science-fiction into a horrific reality. Although robots are primarily depicted as evil inventions in the majority of science fiction works, there are many benefits for their advancement, such as their ability to perform various methods of labor and to provide care and comfort. However, one must keep in mind that the creation of such intelligent life is dangerous, especially when they are created to be more intelligent than the majority of the human population. Even if we do not face a total war against a humanoid army of NS-5s, the possibility of technological rebellion always stands, and may not be as fictional as one may think.
Ilya Varshavsky’s “Perpetual Motion” is the story of humanity’s relationship with technology. During a human council meeting, where humans superficially decide how their world will function, Class A robots demand equality with humanity. The human council is initially appalled, but after these robots explain they will supplement their labor with the labor of a new race of robots humanity grants their wish. Twenty years later, during a Class A robot council meeting, the topic of equality for Class B robots is introduced in a similar manner to the way Class A freedom was discussed. In order to grant equality to Class B robots, the Class A robots discuss the need to teach humans how to survive without them. They resolve to teach humans how
In her article “Alone Together: The Robotic Movement,” Sherry Turkle describes how our current generation has transformed due to technology advancement, especially with robots. Inventions of robots have become familiar in almost all countries, particularly in japan she explains how technology has changed the basic human interaction to conversations in electronic devices.
Donna Haraway says, "The cyborg is our ontology...The machine is us." Frankenstein's monster, the replicants, and Star Trek's Borg each is analogous to the monster within a subconscious or unrealized level within modern reality. The unconscious needs of modern technology, the uncertain amount of genetic programming within us, and the unknown about the human's unconscious mind are all objectives explored in the allegorical genre of science fiction as we explore the monster within.
Another element of Bradbury's writing is robots. Wayne L. Johnson explains that "the robot represents the ultimate heart of the scientific conceit, wherein men's knowledge of the universe becomes so great that he is able to play God and create other men" (73). Robots represent the degrading value of life present in society. All of Bradbury's robot stories found in The Stories of Ray Bradbury come to unhappy endings. They are "horror stories as well as light-hearted warnings against taking robots for granted" (74). Many stories with robots are considered science fiction because robots are considered to be futuristic things. Bradbury uses robots to show the value people place on science over human beings. In "Marionettes, Inc.", two men are unhappy with their wives. One man, Braling tells the other man, Smith, that he has purchased a robot to take his place as a husband.
Fear is created not by the world around us, but in the mind, by what we think is going to happen. Why is it that in almost all of the movies starring cyborgs, the cyborgs are either inherently evil or the cause of trouble? We human beings seem to have a problem with the idea of a person enhanced with technology, or a robot enhanced with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Issac Asimov's I, Robot Asimov’s robots can be described as clumsy, hard-working, cost-efficient, soulless, strong, fast, obedient, human-made, a cleaner better breed, more human than man. Robots can be caring, gentle, self-aware, creative, intelligent and also evil, rebellious. Robots are made out of metal, plastic, aluminum, gears, bolts, wheels, sensors, memory chips, and other gadgets. TEXT STUDY Asimov’s book “I, Robot” is full of exciting short stories about human-robot relations. But the one story that really touched me was the first of the nine: Robbie.
..., Robot is a collection of short stories written by the science fiction author himself, Isaac Asimov. He set out the principles of robot behavior that we know as the Three Laws of Robotics. “A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm� (choen, Lindsay. I,Robot) Contained in this whimsical collection are stories of robots gone mad, mind-reading robots, robots with a sense of humor, robot politicians, and robots that secretly run the world, all told with Asimov's trademark dramatic blend of science fact and science fiction. This collection has set the boundaries and set a certain criteria for other authors to follow and keep consistency in their stories involving robots and other forms of artificial intelligence.
“Robbie” by Isaac Asimov is a short story that takes place in 1998. When this story was written in 1965, the futuristic elements were extremely profound and one could see how the reader might agree with Asimov’s interpretation of the future. His world is detailed, including news events about manned Mars missions, futuristic technology, a technological code of ethics, or the ‘Three Laws of Robotics,’ and convincing personal relationships. However, Asimov got it backwards. Many elements in his world are still science fiction today and while robots do exist in 2010, Asimov’s robots are far more advanced in some areas and far more deficient in others. Although Asimov’s world contained many convincing elements, it was ultimately flawed and suggests that mankind’s predictions of the future are not always accurate.
Bar-Cohen, Y. (2009). The coming robot revolution expectations and fears about emerging intelligent, humanlike machines. Springer.
Terminator and Bladerunner, portrayed cyborgs or cybernetic organisms as creatures of destruction. Are they really as horrible as the movies make them out to be? They can be more useful than perceived; it is necessary to first perfect the technology involved in creating and operating them. In this paper, I will describe how these cyborgs work and how they are portrayed in the movies. Furthermore, I will explain the helpful ways that they are expected to perform in the future.
In today's society, robots come in different types and qualities, and robots’ use was mainly in the laboratories and factories; however, that has drastically changed where their uses are changing at a high speed. In addition to that, they have spread throughout the world. The main function of robots is to replace the work that people used to do, or perform tasks that man cannot. A robot is a mechanical or virtual device that uses a computer program, or electronic circuitry, to carry out its functions. In modern science, robotics refers to the study of robots is robotics, which deals with designing, constructing, operating, and using robots and computer systems for controlling and processing information and providing feedbacks. However, as much as robots replace human labor, individuals or organizations can use them in dangerous environments that might be harmful and beneficial to humans. Therefore, to understand the logic behind the creation of robots, one should learn the pros and cons of robotics, in the current society. This is because people are using this technology without having a deep understanding of its effects. However, an objective evaluation of the use of robots, in the modern society, shows that they have a positive influence on human beings, but if the robots were overused, it could lead to a negative side. which shows why human beings should use robots wisely that will result an improvement to their societies and own lives. Robots have become interactive equipment whereby they have become part of human life. In this regard, people use them directly or indirectly to enhance the quality of their lives. However, Sharkey argues that there are ethical issues that arise because of using robots to enhance hu...
The global industrialization in twentieth century rapidly shaped the human society in political, economical, cultural and other aspect. The idea of machine replacing human beings has been concerned by many scholars and scientists themselves. The definition of human being and the definition of machine ha s been challenged as they gradually become into a non-separated integration. We now have artificial limbs, man-made blood vessels and even micro-chips in our brains. In A Cyborg Manifesto: Science, Technology, and Socialist-Feminism in the Late Twentieth Century, a well-known essay published in the late twentieth century, Donna Haraway developed the notion of Cyborg. She states that there is no actual boundary among “human”, “animal”, and “machine”. She defines cyborg as “a cybernetic organism, a hybrid of machine and organism, a creature of social reality as well as a creature of fiction” (Weiss 117). Indeed, machine changed people’ life and it becomes a built-in object in human beings practically and ideologically. To Haraway, we are all cyborgs. On top of that, I consider that cyborg is the collaboration or replacement of one common ideology to the next one. As machine helps human to act and think faster and better, its replacement in our life causes physical, biological and ideological degeneration of human activities. We do not live with machine anymore, we live upon them. In other words, the artificial part in human’s body and mind becomes overwhelming to the natural/organic part. A lizard can still survive after it cuts its tail under special circumstance, just like a man can easily have a transplant of a limb, a lung even a heart. Brain death is considered to be the legal indicator of death in common . A man can live wit...
In the novel, the character Rachel, who we can almost consider as a robot, constantly strives to be a “normal person” and thinks of her robotic nature as her being a “broken woman” (123). In fact, Rachel is actually pretty well off – she has a steady income, and she is both smart and attractive. Why then does she want to be anything different and be normal? Why does she want to be “relegated” to a mistake-prone “normal” human being? Facing the facts, machines do beat us in the fact that they don’t make mistakes when functioning properly, while humans make tons of mistakes, even when they are at their best. However, Rachel wants to be “human” simply because like a robot, she is isolated from everybody else. Even though “normal” people make lots of mistakes, they learn from them and adapt for the future, and communicate with others as a group so that they can learn without making the same mistakes. Although mistakes aren’t desirable, it is what connects us to everybody else and makes us a human. The same could be said about sharing feelings, which Rachel doesn’t have. What truly separates man from machine and puts man just a cut above? Connection – whether it be connecting to one’s inner being in the form of a sense of self, connecting to the abstract in the form of creativity, or connecting to the outside world in the form of social norms; connection is the one thing that humans have, but machines will
Robots always had a special place in mankind’s heart. There has always been an aura of mystery and discovery surrounding them. What is a robot? Wikipedia defines it as “an automatically guided machine which is able to do tasks on its own.” That is a good definition of a robot, but there are few exceptions too.
To conclude, robots could be the backbone of the society that will result in a technological revolution. Because of robots various characteristics that do not experience fear, nor exhaustion and they are precisely programmed, which make them able to help in case of need, housework, and factories production. Society needs to put the issue of robots into consideration to satisfy any shortage exists in the world.