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Robots Included
A collection of stories about all kinds of robots, including… ACCESSIBILITY – Not only pets will go prowling around at night. LIFETIME – In a primitive form, kids can own one of these toys now. BUGSIE – What might a criminal gang do with a versatile robot? CLERICAL ERROR – An ideal candidate may have his own ideas. ROBOTS INCLUDED – A somewhat different kind of alien invasion. TO BE CONTINUED – A sentient machine might object to its visitors. DEVIANT - How do we control the people who control the robots? EQUALITY – The laws say robots must protect humans, always. PAINFUL REDUNDANCY – Even unusual professions will be at risk. FREE RANGE – Another, but indifferent, kind of alien invasion. KILLER –How might an unscrupulous person exploit an AI robot? TEETHING TROUBLE – Intelligent prosthetics could be a problem. THREE HANDED – Utility AI robot devices need clear instructions OPERATION PLUS – Robotic medical treatment should be errorfree. CURTAINS – Spare part replacement surgery may go a long way. NANOTECHNOID – Definitely a different kind of alien invasion. MONUMENT - Given time, robots may learn to improve themselves.
208 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 27, 2014
Mind-gripping!
I’ll be completely honest, this book is worth every penny. Its value and integrity exceeded my anticipation. I was utterly enthused! The robots in this book are mind-gripping creations. I find it difficult to adequately describe the overall composition and operation of the author’s robots. They have unexpected ways of carrying out their duties according to how they are programmed. This riveting book unveils the various types of robots that could soon exist and the resulting stories are astounding. Too bad machines at present are totally dependent on humans to do the necessary adjustments and fixes—but for how long?
I’ll be completely honest, this book is worth every penny. Its value and integrity exceeded my anticipation. I was utterly enthused! The robots in this book are mind-gripping creations. I find it difficult to adequately describe the overall composition and operation of the author’s robots. They have unexpected ways of carrying out their duties according to how they are programmed. This riveting book unveils the various types of robots that could soon exist and the resulting stories are astounding. Too bad machines at present are totally dependent on humans to do the necessary adjustments and fixes—but for how long?
November 7, 2014
Robots Included is a fascinating collection ranging in different points of view and perspectives of a future with more advanced robots and artificial intelligence. I appreciated the introduction with the background references to the different definitions of robotic words used (i.e. cyborg versus android) as well as Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics.
The writing itself is innovative and thoughtful. The language is clear, which I appreciate in science fiction when the advanced concepts can be confusing enough. The collection of stories all follow a theme of a possible future, be it near or far, that is impacted by the advancement of robotics. The stories can easily be read one at a time, but curiosity may cause the desire to read on until human needs like sleep and food require one to put the book down. These are not "cookie cutter" stories, so you will not read the same kind of story twice. Examples range from robots as a child's toy to protectors of an alien civilization. I would recommend this book to teens who are developing an interest in science fiction or adults who are open to expanding their minds to future possibilities.
The writing itself is innovative and thoughtful. The language is clear, which I appreciate in science fiction when the advanced concepts can be confusing enough. The collection of stories all follow a theme of a possible future, be it near or far, that is impacted by the advancement of robotics. The stories can easily be read one at a time, but curiosity may cause the desire to read on until human needs like sleep and food require one to put the book down. These are not "cookie cutter" stories, so you will not read the same kind of story twice. Examples range from robots as a child's toy to protectors of an alien civilization. I would recommend this book to teens who are developing an interest in science fiction or adults who are open to expanding their minds to future possibilities.
November 7, 2014
Do you have a robot in your house? Do you plan on having one in the near future? Robots Included has many stories in this collection of science fiction tales that makes it feel like the possibility is closer than we think. It also takes the imagination through time and space to concepts that may seem too far-fetched for the average person. The author stays true to Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics and even tests those laws with potential loopholes.
I liked the shorter stories that were still full of detail and plot. Longer works such as the one that shares the title of the collection was also good and just long enough. In some cases I found a few endings lacking. Either I thought "huh?!?" or it went in a direction that did not satisfy me. One still has to give credit to the author for not just sticking to one tone like happy endings or feelings of doomsday. I would still recommend it for the varied collection that it is so that others can be the judge of the ending themselves.
I liked the shorter stories that were still full of detail and plot. Longer works such as the one that shares the title of the collection was also good and just long enough. In some cases I found a few endings lacking. Either I thought "huh?!?" or it went in a direction that did not satisfy me. One still has to give credit to the author for not just sticking to one tone like happy endings or feelings of doomsday. I would still recommend it for the varied collection that it is so that others can be the judge of the ending themselves.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews