The intention behind the creation of manlike machinery lies in mankind’s desire to become gods, the ones who pull the strings of the creation of all living things. There have certainly been many developments so far in making intelligent machines, starting with the first automats invented in 13th-century Egypt. Of course, all these works of engineering, along with the purposes and desires lying in the human subconscious, have been reflected in art and literature. From ancient myths to modern science fiction, the portrayal of robots in literature has evolved, leaving a permanent mark on the collective imagination of humanity.
The origins of robots in literature can be traced back to the ancient myths and tales of various civilizations. In Greek mythology, Hephaestus, the blacksmith of the gods, crafted mechanical servants to assist him in his divine work. These automatons, known as "automata," possessed the semblance of life, instilling awe and wonder in the ancient minds. Similarly, in Jewish folklore, the Golem, a creature molded from clay, was brought to life by magical means and served as a protector for its creator.
With the emergence of the Industrial Revolution, literature began to reflect the changing social and technological parameters. In the 19th century, writers such as Mary Shelley and E.T.A. Hoffmann delved into the moral implications of creating artificial life. Shelley's ingenious work, "Frankenstein," published in 1818, presents the iconic tale of a scientist who brings a creature assembled from human parts to life. Through Victor Frankenstein's creation, Shelley explores themes of arrogance, responsibility, and the consequences of playing the role of God.
This creation, mostly referred to as the “creature” or “monster,” is described as an immense and grotesque being with yellowish skin that barely conceals the muscles and blood vessels beneath, watery and colorless eyes, and a height of around eight feet.
Hoffmann's "The Sandman," published in 1816, tells the haunting story of an inventor who becomes obsessed with a mechanical woman named Olimpia. She is depicted as a mesmerizing and enigmatic figure, presented as a life-size automaton—a creation of the inventor Spalanzani, who is known for his technical genius. Olimpia's physical appearance is described as strikingly beautiful, with flawlessly smooth skin and graceful, yet quite uncanny, movements. Hoffmann emphasizes her doll-like features, highlighting her porcelain-like skin and her eyes, which are described as glassy and lifeless.
The very first use of the term “robot” comes from a play written by the Czech writer Karel Čapek, known as “Rossum’s Universal Robots” or R.U.R. for short. It introduced the concept of humanoid robots to the world in the early 20th century. This play not only entertained the audience but also led people to contemplate the implications and ethics surrounding artificial intelligence and the potential fate of mankind.
Rossum's Universal Robots were depicted as humanoid beings designed to mimic human characteristics. Their exterior shell was crafted with a unique blend of metallic alloys, granting them a striking resemblance to humans. Though their physical attributes were flawlessly human-like, their expressions were limited to the mechanical precision of their facial features, evoking a sense of both familiarity and unease.
The early 20th century witnessed the emergence of science fiction as a distinct genre, providing a ground for the exploration of robots in literature.
Isaac Asimov's "I, Robot," published in 1950, introduced the Three Laws of Robotics, which are listed as follows: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law. These laws laid the foundation for ethical considerations in the relationship between humans and robots. In the “Robot” series, which is a continuation of "I, Robot," Asimov further explores the ethical dilemmas and the complexities that arise when these laws are tested or interpreted in unique situations.
Asimov's robots exhibit a range of personalities and characteristics, from the emotionally limited but highly logical "positronic brains" to advanced human-like androids capable of complex emotional responses. They are capable of performing complicated tasks and making decisions based on extensive data analysis. Robots of the “First Wave” were designed to be efficient, reliable, and tireless workers, serving in various roles such as household helpers, medical assistants, and laborers. Overall, Asimov's portrayal of robots combines advanced technological capabilities with a deep exploration of ethical considerations, shaping the way robots have been depicted and examined in science fiction literature.
Emirhan Yılmaz
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