In this brief sequence, the Optimus robot can achieve the same amazing result as my Shark vacuuming robot. Namely, it can charge itself.
It looks pretty much the same while doing it.
The earliest example that I know of in science fiction that shows a humanoid robot that can autonomously decide to charge itself and plug in can be found in the short story Masters of Chance, by William Morrison, published by Thrilling Wonder Stories in 1941:
The man whistled. A small one-purpose robot of the Martian type, with wheels instead of legs, rolled in.
“A drink for me and my pal,” the man ordered.
The robot brought in the drinks, and that reminded BrR-19. Seeing an energy outlet in one of the walls, he thrust in his charging arm to replenish his store of energy.
(Via the article on the charging arm)
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 10/17/2024)
Tactile Skin Supplier Map
'What strange sensitivity! What an amazing development of science was manifested in every move and act and word of this Robot!' - Ray Cummings, 1931.
DIY Robot Scorpion Crushes It
'...it raised its front end off the ground and waved its antennae at them, then raised one armoured claw as if to snip them out of the sky.' - Neal Asher, 2008.
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Tactile Skin Supplier Map
'What strange sensitivity! What an amazing development of science was manifested in every move and act and word of this Robot!'
Orb Nomad Zero-Emission Electric Aircraft
'That explains how it was so easy for me to remain motionless in midair or to perch on a flagpole in imitation of a giant bird, even in the windy city of Chicago.'
DIY Robot Scorpion Crushes It
'...it raised its front end off the ground and waved its antennae at them, then raised one armoured claw as if to snip them out of the sky.'