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The first robots were born from imagination, rather than engineering. Our “walk of fame” features replicas of fictional robots that inspired real-world creations. Explore iconic robots and see how they’ve evolved over the years.
This massive alien robot befriends a 9-year-old boy in a modern animated classic.
This massive alien robot befriends a 9-year-old boy in a modern animated classic.
Maria, a pioneering robot icon in science fiction, appeared in Fritz Lang’s 1927 silent film “Metropolis,” which was set in 2026. Though never named, she is created as an evil mechanical duplicate of the heroine, Maria.
Maria, a pioneering robot icon in science fiction, appeared in Fritz Lang’s 1927 silent film “Metropolis,” which was set in 2026. Though never named, she is created as an evil mechanical duplicate of the heroine, Maria.
The robot bodyguard from “The Day the Earth Stood Still” is introduced as the protector of the alien Klaatu. Released during the Cold War, the film uses Gort to represent the fear of the unknown.
The robot bodyguard from “The Day the Earth Stood Still” is introduced as the protector of the alien Klaatu. Released during the Cold War, the film uses Gort to represent the fear of the unknown.
The standout character from the 1956 film “Forbidden Planet” became the movie’s most memorable feature and helped to create its cult following.
The standout character from the 1956 film “Forbidden Planet” became the movie’s most memorable feature and helped to create its cult following.
The unnamed robot from “Lost in Space,” designed by Robert Kinoshita, possessed superhuman strength and advanced weaponry but often showed human traits like laughter, sadness, and mockery.
The unnamed robot from “Lost in Space,” designed by Robert Kinoshita, possessed superhuman strength and advanced weaponry but often showed human traits like laughter, sadness, and mockery.
The robot from “2001: A Space Odyssey” controls the spaceship Discovery’s systems but becomes “mad” due to the pressure of its responsibilities and hidden secrets.
The robot from “2001: A Space Odyssey” controls the spaceship Discovery’s systems but becomes “mad” due to the pressure of its responsibilities and hidden secrets.
This robot from “Silent Running” reflects the film’s ecological themes, updating the political undertones common in 1950s sci-fi to address Earth’s growing environmental threats.
This robot from “Silent Running” reflects the film’s ecological themes, updating the political undertones common in 1950s sci-fi to address Earth’s growing environmental threats.
This golden robot stands alongside R2-D2, bringing humor and driving the plot of the “Star Wars” films.
This golden robot stands alongside R2-D2, bringing humor and driving the plot of the “Star Wars” films.
Stars of “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” these robots were made from spare parts and toys, and humorously mocked bad sci-fi films with their witty commentary on cable TV—and now on the internet!
Stars of “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” these robots were made from spare parts and toys, and humorously mocked bad sci-fi films with their witty commentary on cable TV—and now on the internet!