Defining the Concept of a Robot

A significant challenge I faced while researching the history of robots was determining what qualifies as a robot. I sought Dr. Mayor’s perspective on this topic. She articulated, “A robot is typically a machine or self-moving object, often resembling an android, equipped with internal mechanisms, a power source, and the ability to perceive its environment and perform actions or tasks.”

She further illustrated her definition by referencing Talos from Greek mythology, who qualifies as a robot due to his bronze composition, internal mechanisms, and ichor as a power source. Talos is capable of sensing intruders and responding by lifting boulders to thwart their ships.

Are Golems Considered Robots?

This definition led me to ponder whether golems could be classified as robots. Some are crafted from metal or clay and are animated through secret incantations. This prompted a deeper inquiry into whether humans might also fit the definition of robots, especially considering the biblical account where man is formed from clay and woman from a rib. When I posed this question to Dr. Mayor, she explained that beings like golems and Adam come to life due to an external command rather than through technological craftsmanship. “The Golem and Adam are not seen as products of technology like the robots created by Hephaestus and others in Greek mythology. Conversely, the Egyptian myth of Khnum, who shapes the first humans from clay, reflects life created through technology,” Mayor clarified.

This suggests that depending on the narrative, humans might be viewed as either robots or golems.

Robots with a Dark Side

In my research, I noted a recurring theme where deities creating robots often leads to calamity. I asked Dr. Mayor if there are any instances of benevolent robots. She explained that while the robotic creations of Hephaestus for the gods on Mount Olympus are typically harmless, trouble arises when these robots interact with humans. Examples include Talos and Pandora, both of whom wreak havoc in the human realm.

Mayor also highlighted a positive example from Greek mythology — the self-navigating ships in Phaeacia, as described in Homer’s Odyssey. These vessels could navigate by thought alone, requiring no crew. By merely envisioning a destination, the ships would chart the quickest and safest course.

What Drives Humanity's Fascination with Robots?

Curiously, I wondered about the enduring human fascination with robots. Mayor suggested that this obsession stems from a “timeless urge to create, a desire to mimic and enhance Nature, and the aspiration to surpass it. Additionally, there is a hope for inventions that ease labor and improve our lives.”