A list of some of our favorite robots and androids from Sci-Fi movies and TV
THE ROBOT-METROPOLIS: It’s ladies first on our list. Our initial selection is the iconic robot from Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, the classic tale of dystopia and class injustice. Ms. Robot was intended as a false beacon of hope and revolution for the struggling working class but instead ended up being a prophet of chaos and destruction. An art deco-styled mechanical female figure that is readily recognized as an immortal symbol of science fiction in movies
GORT-THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL: The eight-foot metal robot accompanies Klaatu, a visitor to Earth from an unnamed, distant planet, aboard a flying saucer. He does not speak, but uses a laser-like weapon projected from beneath a head visor to vaporize weapons and other physical obstacles, needs no introduction. Another truly classic science fiction robot
ROBBY THE ROBOT-FORBIDDEN PLANET: Immensely strong and with styling that identified him as a robot and nothing but a robot, Robby was a departure from the more humanoid robots that preceded him. One of the first film robots that were more than just a mechanical “tin can” on legs; Robby displays a distinct personality and is a complete supporting character in the film
B9-LOST IN SPACE: The Robot is a Class M-3 Model B9, General Utility Non-Theorizing Environmental Control Robot Although a machine endowed with superhuman strength and futuristic weaponry, he often displayed human characteristics, such as laughter, sadness, and mockery, as well as singing and playing the guitar. The Robot was designed y the same artist that created Robby from Forbidden Planet, and the two are sometimes confused for one another
ASTRO BOY: It seems appropriate to give the nod to an animated icon of futuristic Robots. I have recently read there is a live action movie in the works. This character, though short in stature, is a giant among fictional mechanized companions. The 1963 animated series (based on the 1952 comic/manga) had a huge influence on what would later become known as anime. The character was originally named Astor but later had his name changed to Astro after being rejected by his creator, as a replacement for his lost son. Astro has several special powers, such as flying with rockets, super hearing, 100,000 horsepower, super human endurance and a machine gun which lies in his backside.
R2-D2-STAR WARS: One of my personal favorites. The feisty, brave little robot proved his worth on a regular basis and saved the lives of the series main characters on several occasions. The Astro mech droid was originally designed in artwork by Ralph McQuarrie. R2-D2 stands for Second Generation Robotic Droid Series-2.
CENTURIONS: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: The chrome plated drones of the original series were distinctive in appearance and memorable for their early style robotic voice; “by your command” became a well-known catchphrase during and after the show’s television series run.
DATA-STAR TREK TNG: I love this character and the futuristic take on the Pinocchio story he represents. Although technically an android because of his life-like appearance. Data proved himself to be more human in ways beyond his understanding of what being human meant. He was endowed with super human strength and was capable of completing tasks at super human speed, with a cybernetic brain that made him capable of high-speed memory and speed in calculations. He was also capable of enduring extreme environments beyond that of most biological species
CAPRICA-SIX-BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: Last but not least on our list is the sexy seductress that made it easy to forget she was a Cylon robot in disguise. Of the twelve known Cylon models, she is the sixth of the “Significant Seven”. Six is a statuesque Cylon infiltrator. She was the first example shown of a new generation of Cylons capable of adapting to human form and emotions. This is not a complete list by any means, feel free to make suggestions for your favorites in the comments
?? There was an old “Lost In Space” episode, where B9, the robot character in this series, had a fight to the death with Robby The Robot! Great Fun!