The enduring fascination with robots—their potential to rival humanity, to usher in destruction, or perhaps both—has captivated writers for over a century. While contemporary discussions often focus on the real-world threats of artificial intelligence, such as misinformation and automated warfare, the realm of literature frequently centers on individual robotic characters.
Giving artificial intelligence a corporeal form and a recognizable visage may simply enhance storytelling for audiences accustomed to physical presence. Fictional robots offer a vast canvas for exploration. They can embody humor, coolness, or allure. Some characters delve into introspection, exhibiting nerdy or melancholic traits. Robots often serve as proxies for “the other,” providing a critical lens through which to examine our own humanity. They also prompt contemplation on ownership, drawing parallels to our relationships with pets and livestock. Conversely, they can be depicted as formidable agents of destruction. Murderbot, a creation of Martha Wells, exemplifies a character who deftly navigates these varied archetypes.
This month brought two distinctly different takes on the robot narrative. Both works are thoughtfully crafted and well-executed, featuring richly developed internal worlds. However, their shared qualities end there.
An Unlikely Alliance in a Scarred Future
Suzanne Palmer’s Ode to the Half-Broken introduces an aging robot emerging from extended self-imposed isolation after an unknown assailant pilfers one of its legs. A hybrid canine-robot entity volunteers to assist in its recovery, and their mission is soon joined by a human mechanic and an independently operated aerial drone. The author accurately labels them a “motley crew,” and their collection of individuals certainly fits the description.
What begins as a quest for a lost limb evolves into something far more significant. Strange events unfold, and the elderly robot harbors concerns that potent forces might jeopardize the world’s tentative recovery following an apocalyptic period. Within Palmer’s envisioned future, robots have achieved autonomy and are generally afforded respect. The primary robot protagonist is portrayed as a heroic figure, equipped with advanced armor capable of rapid deployment. While its pre-emancipation history was fraught, the novel maintains a cheerful tone, making it accessible even to younger readers. The presence of an intelligent, vocal train further contributes to this engaging atmosphere. An early proof copy even includes the line: “The dog lives.” This assured, comedic sensibility resonates with works like Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Service Model and Annalee Newitz’s Automatic Noodle.
A Darker Vision of Robotic Integration
In stark contrast, Silvia Park’s debut novel, Luminous, offers a decidedly less humorous perspective. Although it reportedly originated as a children’s story, its mature themes make it unsuitable for young readers. Park’s narrative unfolds in a future set two decades after the reunification of Korea, where robots are commonplace. These entities are easily mistaken for humans and are acquired for various purposes, including serving as replacements for deceased children or fulfilling domestic and sexual roles. Viewed as mere imitations of humanity, they are frequently subjected to severe mistreatment.
One of the human protagonists, Jun, holds a monotonous position in Robot Crimes, a division primarily dealing with robot theft. The ethical considerations surrounding robot ownership are largely left to individual discretion. Meanwhile, Jun’s sister, Morgan, works in robotics and shares her life with one of her own creations, a butler-boyfriend named Stephen. Morgan attempts to cultivate humanity in Stephen by shielding him from external influences. However, she readily deactivates him when his behavior deviates from her preferences. Both Jun and Morgan continue to grapple with the unresolved grief stemming from the loss of a robot they considered akin to a brother. Concurrently, across the city, a young girl discovers an unusual creature amidst a junkyard.
Park’s portrayal of robots exhibits moments of profound insight. They are uniformly depicted as victims of abuse, evoking empathy from the reader. Yet, these characters are complex and, in certain instances, pose a threat. Stephen, in particular, emerges as a compelling figure; his character alone could have sustained an entire novel. The author’s subsequent works are eagerly anticipated.
Further Exploration: Robotic Themes in Media
Television Recommendation
Battlestar Galactica (2003-2009)
Ronald D. Moore’s reimagining of Battlestar Galactica features the Cylons, human-like robots, as some of the most compelling robotic characters ever conceived for entertainment. Their complex experiences and capabilities are central to the series’ appeal. The narrative artfully maintains suspense regarding which human characters are, in fact, Cylons until late in the program. It is recommended to begin with the 2003 miniseries before embarking on the subsequent four-season arc.
Emily H. Wilson is the author of the Sumerians series (Inanna, Gilgamesh, and Ninshubar, all published by Titan) and is currently developing her inaugural science fiction novel. Previously, she served as an editor for New Scientist. She can be followed on Instagram at @emilyhwilson1.