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"I did more research, and realized I almost would rather be a biologist than a writer, because there was incredible stuff going on!"
- Greg Bear
 |
| 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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and Technology from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
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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
| Prototype Robotic Masseur Has The Touch |
| Medical Assistant Robot May Roam The Halls Of Hospitals |
| Amplified Nerves Lead To Mind-Controlled Prosthetic Hands |
| FlyCroTug Micro Drones Do Heavy Lifting |
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