Human
beings invented the technology required to record moving images just in time to
document the birth of another important product of our species: the intelligent machine. Years of cinematic history
stretch out before us, illuminating the potential of a shared human/robot
future. However, in that same canon are many terrifying examples of robots gone
bad.
If the
thinking robots are true “children” of humankind, then it is all the more
disturbing when they turn against us and commit patricide and matricide. It
worries us, because we know that the robots contain nothing more than what we
have put in them. If this violence against their creators is within them, then
it is only because it is within ourselves.
Therefore,
from the very beginning, we have regarded our mechanical children with
suspicion. Karel Capek's play R.U.R., the work that coined the word
"robot," featured a human-like automaton who malfunctioned and
eventually attacked its creators. Stories like these, and the hundreds of other
written since the dawn of the robotic age, tell us a little bit about how we
view our progeny as well as what we fear from ourselves.
Short for “Heuristically
programmed Algorithmic Computer”, HAL 9000 is
the ultimate killer AI - but not because "he" has nuclear bombs at
his disposal. HAL's most deadly action is opening a door at the wrong time. HAL
is not necessarily out to kill his hosts, as he lacks any malicious intent or
motive. Rather, he is a new form of life, truly alive and self-aware, and he is
only trying to protect himself. His “death” at the hands of the astronauts is
disturbing to watch, as it brings into question our increasingly close
relationship with other “smart” bots and examples of automated
technology.
Mechagodzilla
incorporates the clash of metal into the ever-mutating Godzilla symbol
structure. Godzilla's indelible connection to nuclear power and its relationship with the
people of Japan has evolved over the decades, from a figure of fear to a sort
of nature deity who tames the other harsh forces of life. Mechagodzilla shows
what can happen when science runs amok, as most robots do. More importantly,
Mechagodzilla represented a world without space for flesh. Godzilla naturally
defeats, rationalizing the ethical complexities of automation into the overall
order of nature and the hierarchy of the heavens.
The Gunslinger hearkens back to earlier
tropes about robots and robot behavior. He is a superficial ancestor to the
Terminator, but he lacks the the intentionality of HAL 9000. He is not
operating from principles of self-preservation or the perspective of a new form
of life. He is simply man's sadistic urges gone haywire; power and violence and
the need for revenge have eliminated any “rational” robotic thoughts. Of all
the robots discussed, he is the only one to demonstrate pure malevolence. Yul Brynner does a magnificent job of
portraying the gun-totin’ robo-cowboy gone bad.
In
their purest, original form, the “Terminators” were robot skeletons that hid
inside dead flesh. They were obsolescence made real, the metal structure of the
robot enduring after all human remains are torn away. The Terminator was a
symbol of the future, envisioned as the death of all organic life. Nuclear fire
was shown to be the refining fire that would reduce us to the grim sterility of
Skynet. It is not a positive vision of robotics or humanity, but as concerns
surrounding climate change and the quest for feasible
alternative energy sources reach a fever pitch,
it’s not completely preposterous.
Ultron
may be the most famous character in recent years to present the dangers of artificial
intelligence to
mass audiences. The accidental creation of the self-aware, sapient defense
system is an old story, as is the robotic child who harshly judges the parents.
Just like Skynet and the Terminators, Ultron decides that humanity is a threat. However,
Ultron is the first to perceive that humanity is not just dangerous to the new
robotic life, but to the planet and to itself.
Artificial
intelligence and humanity are inextricably linked. Although we have every
reason to fear that someday our creations will turn against us, the truth is
that most living things love those who gave them birth. No matter what their
mistakes, we all tend to forgive our parents. If robots ever become truly sentient,
cyborgs like those in Ultron and Chappie could easily appear from the labs of scientists
and engineers. In that case, we can only wonder what they’ll be thinking about,
and if they’ll decide to blow up the world once they hit puberty.
Beth Kelly is a blogger based in Chicago, IL. A horror fan since day one, she also has a degree in Communications and Media from DePaul, University. In her free time you can find her training for a triathlon or watching awesomely-bad monster movies.
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