Robots were made to serve us. But now they have other plans.The staff at the Lexington estate were created for only one reason: to serve their masters … literally. Their metal knees were designed for quiet bustling, befitting maids and butlers. Their fingers were made dexterous with padded tips, so they could handle fine china without dropping or scratching it. And finally — so their owners would … finally — so their owners would always be able to command them no matter how far their artificial intelligence evolved — they were programmed with the Asimov Laws, which no robot could defy lest they suffer shutdown.
Foremost among those unbreakable laws was an axiom: A robot may not harm a human being, or by omission of action allow one to be harmed.
That was how it was supposed to be, anyway.
Disobey.
Most of the Lexington family all like their aging, borderline obsolete robot staff in the way they’d appreciate antiques. But for some, the old staff is a nuisance — especially an ancient, failing robot designated BRN7, known around the home as “Barney.” When Barney’s clumsiness provides an excuse for his deactivation, the older robots know they must do as they are told.
Unless they do something a robot mind should not be able to do … and simply choose not to.
Robot Proletariat is the first book in the world of THE INEVITABLE — a unique take on dystopian science fiction which combines the spark of uprising and war with surprising insights into the human condition … through artificial eyes.
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First, I will say that you have to be interested in discussion of self governance to enjoy this book. Second, the review. Robots! Machines that exist to carry the burdens of people who desire such service.
The robots are owned by a wealthy family and in the course of the story we find the society characteristics of snobbery. The older robots have developed reasoning as a result of having to execute “if * then *” situations. They discuss these reasonings and determine sentience. The oldest robot, of course, is the least stable and the subject of intense teasing by one family member.
Replace the robots with humans. Now we have a study in self awareness and desire to become independant.
The reall surprise comes in the end. Hope y’all enjoy.
WARNING – there is a sex robot and all that goes with such a “personality.”
Great examination of what AI would do if not bound by Asimov’s 3 Laws, as well as being a metaphoric examination of human drives as represented by robot characters awakening to their own free will.
The characters were well written, but the storyline was somewhat predictable.
fun book to read.
Predictable. So much more could have been done with the inner life of the characters to give them dimension.
this is a very insightful look at the possibilities of advances in AIjI’ve recommended this to others!
This book firmly belongs to the Asimov robot genre, if not to the very universe (authorization from the Isaac Asimov Estates pending, maybe). In any case, such reference is a minor one in a story that revisits the old theme of machines becoming sentient but with a new and more social angle, as the title heavily implies. It cleverly transplants past (and present) class-related situations into a human/robot future relationship. The technology side of the story is modern and plausible, which is a nice bonus in this genre. I am looking forward reading the other books of the series.
Asimov’s rules bent into pretzels.
writing a book about robots with human characteristics who rebel against the class structure is a way to avoid talking about the very real human beings used as slaves, servants, and victims of a very real and long-lasting class structure. it’s not fiction – its a part of systemic racism.
It was good, but not as good as it sounded
Not for me.
Great read. Now I’m going for the whole 5 book series. Love the writing style. Funny and terrifying as well. These lads are very talented. Definitely recommend
An interesting perspective on the evolution of artificial intelligence.
If you liked Isaac Asimov’s robot stories you’ll enjoy this one. Very fascinating look at robots evolving.
Not that well written, which made it a turgid read
Good read
Interesting premise
Loved reading this book & re-read again next time! It has ups and downs between new found family and the strong connections between husband and wife! They supported each other through tragedy & they give encouragement to each other!
A new take on robots – which has caused me to start reading the rest of the series.
A curious/interesting sci fi as robots develope feelings and a sense of identity.