Gallery: All Hail Our Robot Overlords! Sci-Fi's Best Bots

  • Bender from Futurama
    01

    bender-from-futurama

    Czech playwright Karel Capek popularized the term *robot* in the 1921 play [R.U.R.](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/thisdayintech/2011/01/0125robot-cometh-capek-rur-debut/), spawning a deluge of artificial life forms in popular culture. Wired.com assembled this list of androids, cyborgs and other memorable machines that left their indelible imprints on movies and television shows in the ensuing nine decades. They will be remembered long after their robotic brothers are shipped off to the great scrap heap in sky (located somewhere near the outer edge of the solar system). Got your own favorites? Show your robot love in the comments section below. __Above:__ Bender ------ __Source code:__ Matt Groening and David X. Cohen's hard-to-kill sci-fi spoof [Futurama](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2010/06/futurama-david-cohen). __Execute win!__ Despite being a suicidal, self-absorbed jerk, can still save face ... and the day. __Major malfunction:__ Does not compute.
  • Sentinels from Matrix
    02

    sentinels-from-matrix

    Sentinels --------- __Source code:__ [The Matrix](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Matrix_%28franchise%29), The Wachowski Bros.' ambitious but anticlimactic hyperreality factory. __Execute win!__ Lethal machine squids spawned from genocidal supercomputers, yet coded with the capacity for loyalty and love (See: Peter Chung's animated mind-wipe [Matriculated](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matriculated#Matriculated)). __Major malfunction:__ Couldn't save The Matrix franchise.
  • Roy Batty
    03

    roy-batty

    Roy Batty --------- __Source code:__ Ridley Scott's smart, wet sci-fi cinema classic [Blade Runner](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_runner), based on Philip K. Dick's tech-noir novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? __Execute win!__ Rutger Hauer's [existential replicant](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Characters_in_Blade_Runner#Roy_Batty) quotes William Blake and finally abandons nihilism for mercy. __Major malfunction:__ Too-short shelf life.
  • R2D2 and C3P0
    Lucasfilm
    04

    r2-d2-and-c-3p0

    R2-D2 and C-3P0 --------------- __Source code:__ [Some sci-fi franchise](http://starwars.com/) from [some dude](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_lucas). __Execute win!__ Odd-couple comedy, post-obliterated pluck and an uncanny tendency to be present at the most crucial moments in intergalactic history. __Major malfunction:__ Prone to prolonged lovers' quarrels.
  • Octus from SymBionic Titan
    05

    octus-from-sym-bionic-titan

    Octus ----- __Source code:__ [Genndy Tartakovksy](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2010/09/symbionic-titan)'s stellar American anime series, [Sym-Bionic Titan](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2010/12/wired-best-of-2010/?pid=2364). __Execute win!__ Next-gen mecha-bot nerd scores with ditzy high-school cheer queen. __Major malfunction:__ Along with Tartakovksy, deserves more attention, credit, episodes.
  • Data from Star Trek The Next Generation
    06

    data-from-star-trek-the-next-generation

    Data ---- __Source code:__ Gene Roddenberry's benevolent television reboot, Star Trek: The Next Generation. __Execute win!__ Comic relief, seeking intellect, gentle spirit, kick-ass strength, [wrapped in Brent Spiner](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_%28Star_Trek%29)'s skin. __Major malfunction:__ Only had sex once (I think).
  • Robotman
    07

    robotman

    Robotman -------- __Source code:__ DC Comics' surreal alt-hero series [Doom Patrol](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robotman_%28Cliff_Steele%29). __Execute win!__ Saves lives, sells comics, despite his human brain's hatred for his robot body. __Major malfunction:__ Wears underwear. Doesn't come in colors other than gold.
  • Cylons
    08

    cylons

    Cylons ------ __Source code:__ [Battlestar Galactica](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battlestar_Galactica) 1.0, 2.0., 3.0. ad nauseam. __Execute win!__ The ['70s Cylons](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cylon_%281978%29) were almost as cool as the Star Wars [Sith Lord](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darth_Vader) that inspired them. __Major malfunction:__ "Skinjobs" from '00s reboots were supermodels in space. Paging [Dr. Turing](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turing_test)!
  • WallE
    09

    wall-e

    Wall-E ------ __Source code:__ [Pixar's hearts-and-minds winner *Wall-E*](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2008/06/review-wall-es), in which the bot goes from recycler to adventurer. __Execute win!__ Meek-bot scores superweapon love. Saves humanity from its fat, stupid self. __Major malfunction:__ Saves humanity from its fat, stupid self.
  • Crow T. Robot and Tom Servo
    10

    crow-t-robot-and-tom-servo

    Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot --------------------------- __Source code:__ Metafictional multimedia spoof [Mystery Science Theater 3000](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_Science_Theater_3000), where Crow T. Robot and Tom Servo hang out on the *Satellite of Love* with their metallic pals, Gypsy and Cambot. __Execute win!__ The funniest robots ever created. End of line. __Major malfunction:__ Not on television anymore; never given their own sitcom.
  • Ash and Bishop from Alien films
    11

    ash-and-bishop-from-alien-films

    Ash and Bishop -------------- __Source code:__ Ridley Scott's Alien and James Cameron's Aliens, respectively. __Execute win!__ [Ash](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_%28Alien%29) is a terrifying sellout. [Bishop](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishop_%28Aliens%29) is a creepy loyalist. __Major malfunction:__ Mostly scrapped from subsequently underwhelming Alien films.
  • Transformers
    12

    transformers-2

    Transformers ------------ __Source code:__ Hasbro toys and cartoons, [befuddling Michael Bay](http://io9.com/5301898/michael-bay-finally-made-an-art-movie) films. __Execute win!__ Can *transform* their appearance, annihilate whatever, inhale cash. __Major malfunction:__ Unlike Decepticons, Autobots pass as cars and trucks rather than something cool.
  • Robby the Robot
    13

    robby-the-robot

    Robby the Robot --------------- __Source code:__ The 1956 Freud-meets-Shakespeare sci-fi classic [Forbidden Planet](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbidden_Planet). __Execute win!__ The [rubbery Robby robot](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robby_the_robot)-overlorded '50s, '60s and '70s television and advertising, and served as role model for Star Trek: The Next Generation's Data. __Major malfunction:__ Can't compete with CGI.
  • Astro Boy
    14

    astro-boy

    Astro Boy --------- __Source code:__ [Osamu Tezuka's post-nuclear multimedia franchise *Astro Boy*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astro_boy), which turns 60 next year. __Execute win!__ Cloned from Mickey Mouse, raised in manga, gave birth to anime as we know it. __Major malfunction:__ Not convincing Genndy Tartakovksy to stay and direct the [not-great CGI *Astro Boy* reboot](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astro_Boy_%28film%29).
Read More
Spooky New Infostealer Malware Uses AI to ‘Autodox’ Victims
Named “Volta-Autodoxer,” the recently uncovered malware uses AI tools to collect troves of data about victims, from login credentials and credit card numbers to Discord sessions and UberEats receipts.
Lily Hay Newman
There’s a Completely New Type of Whisky. It’s French and Made in Concrete Eggs
The founders of Maison Lineti are, in a world first, making single malt whisky as if it were wine—and the spirit world is mighty impressed.
Jeremy White
Light Up Your Home Like Christmas With These Smart String Lights
Glow up your home indoors or out with these versatile, discounted, full color smart string lights. They’re WIRED-tested and 25 percent off right now.
Simon Hill
Power Outages Are No Match for This Fridge Battery
Backup by BioLite is designed to power your fridge when the grid goes down. It works, but protecting your ice cream doesn’t come cheap.
Christopher Null
Meta’s Muse Could Upend All Kinds of Businesses. It Hasn’t Yet
Companies have spent the past several weeks trying to reassure investors that Muse and other AI agents pose more of an opportunity than a threat.
Paresh Dave
Get Bose QC Headphones at Their Lowest Price Ever
They’re a steal at over 40 percent off in multiple colors. Plus, other great Bose deals you should know about ahead of Black Friday.
Harry Rabinowitz
An AI Agent Injected Drugs Into a Live Mouse’s Brain
A biotech startup let an agent choose a gene therapy and successfully inject the treatment, offering a startling glimpse of the future of research labs.
Emily Mullin
The Keurig Alta Brewer Can Do It All, With No Plastic Pods
This multifaceted home coffee brewer and its new AltaRounds will make you rethink everything you know about Keurig machines.
Louryn Strampe
Are Memories Transferable? Meet the Scientists Replicating an Infamous Study to Find Out
In the 1960’s, an odd experiment showed planarian worms could transfer memories by consuming each other. It was a sensational finding—that is until the worms stopped learning.
Claire L. Evans
Sunrise Alarm Clocks to Help You Adjust to Shorter Days
I’ve never been a morning person. This bedside gadget is the only thing that’s ever changed that.
Nena Farrell
White Dwarfs Aren’t Just White. Scientists Discover Dying Stars Turning Pink and Green
Astronomers find that a white dwarf’s density and the kind of material it absorbed from its surroundings can produce a rainbow of shades in the star’s atmosphere.
Petr Kubala
Wayfair Coupons for November 2026
Get 10% off with Wayfair promo code, up to 80% off furniture, and more top coupons.
Molly Higgins