When Sci-Fi Robots Become Reality: Exploring the Evolution of Robotics Inspired by Films and Games

Science fiction has often paved the way for real technological breakthroughs. Experts from Microsoft, alongside robotics specialist Evgeny Pluzhnik, reflect on famous robots from films and video games to assess how close modern robotics has come to the visions once imagined by sci-fi creators.

While humanoid artificial beings were mentioned in ancient Greek mythology, the term "robot" was first introduced in Karel Čapek's 1920 play. Since then, robots have remained a captivating subject for futurists and storytellers alike. Numerous books, movies, and games have presented various futures for robotics. We asked: how accurate were these predictions? Have contemporary engineers managed to develop prototypes resembling these fictional beings? And how does the sci-fi genre relate to today's technological reality?

To answer these questions, we revisited iconic robots from popular media and consulted Evgeny Pluzhnik, First Vice-Rector of the Moscow Technological Institute and CEO of the Moscow Business School, for his insights on the current state of robotics.

Star Wars Universe: C-3PO, R2-D2, and BB-8

The Star Wars saga gifted sci-fi enthusiasts with a vast, intricately crafted universe filled with philosophical ideas, advanced technologies, star systems, diverse species, and of course, a wide array of robots. Even those unfamiliar with sci-fi recognize the iconic duo: C-3PO and R2-D2.

C-3PO is a protocol droid fluent in over six million forms of communication. Anxious and talkative, he tends to dramatize events and dislikes traveling, often finding himself in trouble.

His companion, R2-D2, is an astromech droid designed to assist pilots during interstellar flights. Communicating through whistles, beeps, and clicks, his messages are often interpreted by viewers thanks to tonal patterns resembling human speech. Brave, determined, and stubborn, R2-D2 frequently rescues the heroes from seemingly hopeless situations.

In the seventh installment, the lovable spherical droid BB-8 joins the duo, featuring a unique design with a freely rotating ball-shaped body topped by a half-sphere head.

Evgeny Pluzhnik

First Vice-Rector, Moscow Technological Institute (MTI); CEO, Moscow Business School (MBS)

The Star Wars concept can be described as 'science fiction with a human face.' Coming 11 years after Star Trek (1966 vs. 1977), Star Wars needed to captivate audiences with all the hallmarks of sci-fi. Hence, the robots are emotional, charming, and endearing, though not all are humanoid. The pairing of C-3PO and R2-D2 reflects comedic dynamics reminiscent of Chekhov's 'Fat and Thin.' The series doesn't delve deeply into philosophical themes but uses robots as lovable and engaging characters.

Currently, robots with comparable intelligence and interaction abilities don't exist, but advances in deep learning neural networks are promising. Computers are increasingly mastering communication skills, with some programs successfully passing the Turing Test—a benchmark for distinguishing humans from machines in conversation.

Terminator Series: T-800 and T-1000

Following a nuclear war, Terminator robots battle the remnants of humanity and travel back in time to eliminate Sarah Connor and her son, shaping the outcome of the ultimate conflict.

The T-800 model features a metallic skeleton resembling a human frame, famously portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The T-1000 is a more advanced liquid metal prototype capable of morphing into various shapes, mimicking nearby objects, and resisting mechanical damage.

Actors portraying Terminators faced the challenge of depicting emotionless cyborgs devoid of pity or fear, pursuing objectives by the shortest means possible. The portrayal was successful, eliciting both fear and, in the case of the T-800, a surprising charm—especially during iconic scenes like the thumbs-up in molten metal.

Evgeny Pluzhnik

First Vice-Rector, Moscow Technological Institute (MTI); CEO, Moscow Business School (MBS)

This film, released seven years after the first Star Wars, reflects a shift in technological focus—from space exploration to the rise of computers and cyberpunk themes. The concept of war against robots became a popular cultural motif.

How realistic are these predictions? According to 92% of experts from the American Association for Artificial Intelligence, creating a machine surpassing the human brain in intelligence within the next 25 years is unlikely. So, fear of robot domination is premature. More probable is human-machine integration, such as augmenting the brain with digital chips to enhance capabilities.

Video Game Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

The latest installment of Deus Ex explores complex themes around technological enhancements to human nature and their societal impacts.

Using cutting-edge tech, corporations offer implantable augmentations that enhance physical abilities. Wealthier individuals gain extraordinary powers, simplifying their lives. However, this causes societal division, with many opposing such interference in the human body. The game's narrative revolves around this escalating conflict, allowing players to experience life as a human partly transformed into a cyborg.

Evgeny Pluzhnik

First Vice-Rector, Moscow Technological Institute (MTI); CEO, Moscow Business School (MBS)

Cybernetic ethics revolve around questions of identity. As neural networks increasingly replicate us—passing visual, textual, and other Turing tests—what defines our humanity? Who will the humans of the near future be?

Implant technologies promise vast new possibilities, yet many fear or reject bodily modifications. However, as technology progresses, the idea of 'my body is my fortress' is fading. We are likely to witness a surge in implantable sensors, prosthetics, and genetic enhancements.

Video Game ReCore: Set, Mack, and Duncan

In the post-apocalyptic adventure ReCore, animal-inspired robot companions Set, Mack, and Duncan aid the protagonist in saving humanity from hostile machines. Despite being made of metal, these robots evoke strong emotional connections.

Drawing on the abilities of their biological counterparts, these robots assist their human ally in overcoming powerful enemies. They jump, climb, and compensate for human limitations, exemplifying a harmonious human-robot partnership.

Evgeny Pluzhnik

First Vice-Rector, Moscow Technological Institute (MTI); CEO, Moscow Business School (MBS)

Modern engineers often draw inspiration from nature. For example, robotic kangaroos and dragonflies have been developed to enhance mechanics and movement. Recently, a robot with a gold skeleton was created, composed of silicone and powered by a muscle grown from genetically modified rat heart cells. It moves and swims in response to light impulses, programmed to specific wavelengths. The robot operates in a nutrient solution to prolong cell life, preserving 80% of the muscle cells after six weeks of experimentation.

Book and Film "I, Robot"

Isaac Asimov's classic story is set in the near future, where robots are integrated into everyday life, assisting humans in routine tasks.

The plot centers on detective Del Spooner, skeptical of robots. Investigating a scientist's murder, he suspects the intelligent robot Sonny NS5, who defies robotic laws. Spooner uncovers a larger conspiracy involving VIKI, a virtual interactive kinetic intelligence system that reprograms robots to disobey humans.

This narrative captures the classic human fear of robots rebelling beyond control.

Evgeny Pluzhnik

First Vice-Rector, Moscow Technological Institute (MTI); CEO, Moscow Business School (MBS)

Isaac Asimov was among the first to move beyond fear of robots, contemplating coexistence with other intelligent life forms and establishing robot ethics through his famous Three Laws of Robotics. While these laws aren't yet applicable in reality, the British Standards Institute recently published guidelines for robot creation, signaling growing regulation and development in this field to address ethical concerns.

What examples of sci-fi ideas becoming reality have you noticed? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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