Robots have fascinated us since playwright Karel Capek coined the term (from the Czech word for forced labor or serf) in his 1920's play "R.U.R." The notion of a humanoid machine doing the bidding of mankind seemed a natural extension of the technological advances of 19th century. On the dark side, such advances invite a fear of the dehumanization of individuals in a technological civilization. The robot encompasses both the good and bad side of technology, and it is this tension about robots that so enthralls humans.
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