Categories
Archive
Links
Android Robots
Both science fiction writers and fans have been fascinated by the possibility of self-aware computers. Today computers can read text from a screen, perform face and voice-recognition tasks, and even determine what recipes can be prepared based on the foods available in the kitchen. Now imagine a computer with all these features plus free will. Imagine further a computer that decides it doesn’t want to work on spreadsheets today but would rather play chess. This kind of self determination would not get much interest from the sci-fi community. However, when you add a lot more power (control) to the computer and the idea that the computer knows what is best for the human race and will see to it that all humans comply with its demands, a much more interesting story can be told.
Three Major Types of Computer Characters
When it comes to computerized characters, there are essentially three varieties.
- Network-connected
- Robotic Android: Usually mobile and in a somewhat human form—arms, legs, head, torso. This is for performing physical tasks normally done by humans. (See Sci Fi Robots in Literature Through 1950)
- Cyborg: A combination of machine and organic materials.
While the Robotic Android and Cyborg are of no less interest, this article will focus on the Networked Computer.