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"People ask me how I do research for my science fiction. The answer is, I never do any research. I just enjoy reading the stuff, and some of it sticks in my mind and fits into the stories."
- Frederik Pohl
 |
| Marvin the Robot | ||
| Another fine robot from the marketing division of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation |
This is one example of what happens when you give a robot a personality.
“Look Zaphod,” she said, patting his arm, “don't worry about the aliens. They're just a couple of guys I expect. I'll send the robot down to get them and bring them up here. Hey Marvin!” In the corner, the robot's head swung up sharply, but then wobbled about imperceptibly. It pulled itself up to its feet as if it was about five pounds heavier that it actually was, and made what an outside observer would have thought was a heroic effort to cross the room. It stopped in front of Trillian and seemed to stare through her left shoulder. “I think you ought to know I'm feeling very depressed,” it said. Its voice was low and hopeless. “Oh God,” muttered Zaphod and slumped into a seat. “Well,” said Trillian in a bright compassionate tone, “here's something to occupy you and keep your mind off things.” “It won't work,” droned Marvin, “I have an exceptionally large mind.” |
| From The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,
by Douglas Adams. Published by Harmony Books in 1979 Additional resources -
|
Compare to the robot cab driver from A Present for Pat (1952) by Philip K. Dick.
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Additional
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More Ideas
and Technology from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
More Ideas
and Technology by Douglas Adams
Tech news articles related to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Tech news articles related to works by Douglas Adams
Marvin the Robot-related
news articles:
- Robot Suicide Ad Changed By GM
- PALRO Companion Robot
- Japanese AI Forms Suicidally Depressed Personality
| Jeff Bezos Tries Waldoes (Robotic Hands) |
| Tesla Diagnoses Itself, Sends Part Request |
| Tesla Robotaxis Will Automatically Recharge Themselves |
| Husqvarna Automower 435X AWD |
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Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
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Life imitates anime art.
