I, robot (Yo Robot)
Author: Isaac Asimov
Translator: Manuel Bosch Barret
Series: Robot #0.1
Collection design: Jordi Salvany
Genre: Classics, Sci-Fi
Original publication date: 1950
Book description: First published in 1950, when the electronic technology was in diapers, I robot turned out to be a visionary work and it held so much importance for the Science fiction genre as a whole.
Asimov presents the three fundamental laws for the first time.
Thoughts:
This has a very interesting premise, we follow a character throughout her life, Susan Calvin, and what technology evolution she sees happen.
The ironic thing we notice in each story is that we have very specific fundamental laws and yet in each story, we see clever ways where the intelligent machines overcome or sidestep those laws in a way most people would not imagine.
We see very interesting people, as intelligent machines are not simply supercomputer but they develop feelings, they do come to care a bit for their humans, in most cases.
Each of the short stories is interesting but they do feel a bit jarring and like they have nothing to do with each other. But really enjoyed it.
So the stories included here were:
1. Robbie. He is a robot created as a companion for children. He is paired up with Gloria but her mother does not like robots and with time manages to separate them. Gloria spends the rest of the story trying to get her Robbie back.
Robie proves to be an amazing caring friend, you really have to love him.
2. Run around was the next one where a robot named Speedy has the task of working in mining but there is something harmful on their way that stops the robots from completing their mission as there is a law that makes them wish to prevent harm to themselves.
3. Reason. This again follows Donovan and Powell who were introduced in the previous story as they get the assignment of testing anew type of robot QT-1. This robot does not believe humans are the creator of robots as they are clearly superior beings, he even goes as far as creating a Robotic deity. It was hilarious.
4. Catch the hare. Again we find our friends Donovan and Powell testing a robot, this one is a 6 in one being called DV 5, it is a being who has 5 little robots all controlled by one. The robot passed with flying colors all the tests performed on Earth, in space it actually does not work. It was a funny story kind of hard to follow how it was continuously malfunctioning. Very nice how they always manage to get why the robots don't work jut in the nick of time.
5. Liar. This follows a robot RB-34 who is able to read people's minds. Yet he does not tell them absolute truths. Again a very clever way to represent the three fundamental laws. I loved this one!
6. The little lost robot follows Susan Calvin again as she is trying to find a robot who would represent a huge disadvantage to the technology acceptance in the planet if set free: the only robot who does not have the fundamental laws in it goes missing! The way he is found is very clever indeed.
7. Evasion again Susan is called upon to decide if providing their AI to solve an impossible problem that made another AI go crazy. Susan Calvin and her team struggle with the decision if trying to solve the unsolvable problem and still not getting their own AI out of commission by giving it an unsolvable problem.
8. Evidence a story Susan Calvin is faced with an unreasonable request. Francis Quinn goes to Calvin and her people to have the proof beyond a doubt that a political adversary is not human but a Robot. It is a bit comical.
9. The avoidable conflict we have again Susan and US Robots & Mechanical Man Corporation face the issue where there is a possibility that the computers are making mistakes regarding situations they control such as mineral production, certain constructions, etc. It is interesting to see just how many day to day situations a computer should have control over but then again humans can not be forced to follow its instructions.
In general, I did love it, the writing style was not the most engaging but it was still very enjoyable.
Translator: Manuel Bosch Barret
Series: Robot #0.1
Collection design: Jordi Salvany
Genre: Classics, Sci-Fi
Original publication date: 1950
Book description: First published in 1950, when the electronic technology was in diapers, I robot turned out to be a visionary work and it held so much importance for the Science fiction genre as a whole.
Asimov presents the three fundamental laws for the first time.
Thoughts:
This has a very interesting premise, we follow a character throughout her life, Susan Calvin, and what technology evolution she sees happen.
The ironic thing we notice in each story is that we have very specific fundamental laws and yet in each story, we see clever ways where the intelligent machines overcome or sidestep those laws in a way most people would not imagine.
We see very interesting people, as intelligent machines are not simply supercomputer but they develop feelings, they do come to care a bit for their humans, in most cases.
Each of the short stories is interesting but they do feel a bit jarring and like they have nothing to do with each other. But really enjoyed it.
So the stories included here were:
1. Robbie. He is a robot created as a companion for children. He is paired up with Gloria but her mother does not like robots and with time manages to separate them. Gloria spends the rest of the story trying to get her Robbie back.
Robie proves to be an amazing caring friend, you really have to love him.
2. Run around was the next one where a robot named Speedy has the task of working in mining but there is something harmful on their way that stops the robots from completing their mission as there is a law that makes them wish to prevent harm to themselves.
3. Reason. This again follows Donovan and Powell who were introduced in the previous story as they get the assignment of testing anew type of robot QT-1. This robot does not believe humans are the creator of robots as they are clearly superior beings, he even goes as far as creating a Robotic deity. It was hilarious.
4. Catch the hare. Again we find our friends Donovan and Powell testing a robot, this one is a 6 in one being called DV 5, it is a being who has 5 little robots all controlled by one. The robot passed with flying colors all the tests performed on Earth, in space it actually does not work. It was a funny story kind of hard to follow how it was continuously malfunctioning. Very nice how they always manage to get why the robots don't work jut in the nick of time.
5. Liar. This follows a robot RB-34 who is able to read people's minds. Yet he does not tell them absolute truths. Again a very clever way to represent the three fundamental laws. I loved this one!
6. The little lost robot follows Susan Calvin again as she is trying to find a robot who would represent a huge disadvantage to the technology acceptance in the planet if set free: the only robot who does not have the fundamental laws in it goes missing! The way he is found is very clever indeed.
7. Evasion again Susan is called upon to decide if providing their AI to solve an impossible problem that made another AI go crazy. Susan Calvin and her team struggle with the decision if trying to solve the unsolvable problem and still not getting their own AI out of commission by giving it an unsolvable problem.
8. Evidence a story Susan Calvin is faced with an unreasonable request. Francis Quinn goes to Calvin and her people to have the proof beyond a doubt that a political adversary is not human but a Robot. It is a bit comical.
9. The avoidable conflict we have again Susan and US Robots & Mechanical Man Corporation face the issue where there is a possibility that the computers are making mistakes regarding situations they control such as mineral production, certain constructions, etc. It is interesting to see just how many day to day situations a computer should have control over but then again humans can not be forced to follow its instructions.
In general, I did love it, the writing style was not the most engaging but it was still very enjoyable.
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