I, Robot

I, Robot is a 1950 collection of nine science fiction short stories by American writer Isaac Asimov.

Overview

The stories are tied together as a frame narrative featuring Dr. Susan Calvin, a robopsychologist, recounting her experiences with robots. The collection introduced Asimov’s famous Three Laws of Robotics.

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 by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law

Notable Stories

• Robbie - A child’s attachment to her robot nursemaid
• Runaround - Conflict between the Second and Third Laws
• Liar! - A mind-reading robot and the First Law

AI Themes

• AI ethics and safety constraints
• Unintended consequences of rigid rules
• Human-robot relationships