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Description edit
The three laws of Robotics: 1) A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm 2) A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. 3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis edit
Summary edit
I, Robot is a collection of nine science fiction short stories by Isaac Asimov, first published by Gnome Press in 1950 in an edition of 5,000 copies. The stories originally appeared in the American magazines Super Science Stories and Astounding Science Fiction between 1940 and 1950. The... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)
Characters/People edit
- Dr. Susan Calvin: Robopsychologist, basically appears throughout the entire book. Emotionless and collected, almost like a robot herself.
- Gregory Powell: Together with Mike Donavan, they are fictional characters from Isaac Asimov's Robot short stories. They are practical engineers rather than theoretical roboticists, field specialists for US Robots and Mechanical Men, and are employed mainly on testing new or experimental robots in practical situations — either on planets or space stations (robots are banned on Earth). They regularly get into complex and potentially dangerous situations when trying to solve robot issues in the field. The issues typically involve the Three Laws of Robotics. (Source: Wikipedia)
- Mike Donovan: Together with Gregory Powell, they are fictional characters from Isaac Asimov's Robot short stories. They are practical engineers rather than theoretical roboticists, field specialists for US Robots and Mechanical Men, and are employed mainly on testing new or experimental robots in practical situations — either on planets or space stations (robots are banned on Earth). They regularly get into complex and potentially dangerous situations when trying to solve robot issues in the field. The issues typically involve the Three Laws of Robotics. (Source: Wikipedia)
- Alfred Lanning: Dr. Alfred J. Lanning is a fictional character from the short stories and movie of I, Robot. In the movie he is played by James Cromwell. Lanning is the Director of Research at U.S. Robotics. His assistant and assumed successor is Peter Bogert. (Source: Wikipedia)
- Lawrence Robertson: Lawrence Robertson is the co-founder of U.S. Robots and Mechanical Men, the largest robots and advanced technologies company in Asimov's world. His first appearance is in the story "Liar!". (Source: Wikipedia)
- Peter Bogert: Dr. Peter Bogert was second in command after Alfred Lanning, he is many times characterized as trying to seize position from Lanning. He is, however, a brilliant mathematician and is many times successful in the novels where he is featured, mainly those with Susan Calvin as main character. In Liar!, he asks the robot if Lanning is about to retire, and the robot says yes, and that Bogert is the obvious successor. Bogert uses this to increase his power on the plant, but Lanning gets enraged by this sudden change in hierarchy and makes sure Bogert understands who is in charge.Bogert later succeeds Lanning as Director of Research at U.S. Robots and Mechanical Men.(Source Wikipedia)
Quotes edit
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“No employee makes the same mistake twice. He is fired the first time.”
Setting & Locations edit
- Earth
- Mercury
- Outer Space: Energy Beam Space Station
Organizations edit
- US Robots: The fictional corporation U.S. Robots and Mechanical Men, Inc. is the major manufacturer of robots in the 21st century in Isaac Asimov's Robot Series of novels and short stories.
- Socitey for Humanity: Group of fundamentalist opposed to the use of robots.
First Sentence edit
I looked at my notes and I didn't like them.
Table of Contents edit
1. Robbie
2. Runaround
3. Reason
4. Catch that Rabbit
5. Liar!
6. Little Lost Robot
7. Escape!
8. Evidence
9. The Evitable Conflict
Glossary edit
- First Law of Robotics: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
- Second Law of Robotics: A robot must obey any orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
- Third Law of Robotics: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
Errata edit
The film I, Robot, starring Will Smith, was released by Twentieth Century Fox on July 16, 2004 in the United States. Its plot is not based on any one story in the collection but does incorporate elements of "Little Lost Robot" and other stories, and uses many of Asimov's characters and ideas about robots, including the Three Laws. (Source: Wikipedia)
Series & Lists edit
This is book 10 of 24 in io9 Science Fiction 101. (community list)
This is book 2 of 25 in Asimov's Future History. (universe)
This is book 539 of 1286 in 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die. (authoritative list)
This is book 16 of 99 in National Public Radio's Top 100 Science Fiction and Fantasy. (authoritative list)
First Edition edit
Original Language: English
Publisher: Gnome Press
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1950
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 253
Publisher: Gnome Press
Country: United States
Publication Date: 1950
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 253
Classification edit
- Library of Congress: PZ3.A8316 I FT MEADE
- Dewey: 813.54
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Movie Connections edit
- I, Robot (IMDb): 2004
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