Robots

Work Title: Robots
Medium: Film
Episode Title:
Year: 2005
Writer(s): Ron Mita
"Original" Writer: Yes Writer(s): Jim McClain
"Original" Writer: Yes Writer(s): David Lindsay-Abaire
"Original" Writer: Yes Writer(s): Lowell Ganz
"Original" Writer: Yes Writer(s): Babaloo Mandel
"Original" Writer: Yes Own work?: No
Summary:

from imdb.com Even in a world populated entirely by mechanical beings Rodney Copperbottom (McGregor) is considered a genius inventor. Rodney dreams of two things, making the world a better place and meeting his idol, the master inventor Bigweld (Brooks). On his journey he encounters Cappy (Halle Berry), a beautiful executive 'bot with whom Rodney is instantly smitten, the nefarious corporate tyrant Ratchet (Kinnear) who locks horns with Rodney, and a group of misfit 'bots known as the Rusties, led by Fender (Williams) and Piper Pinwheeler (Bynes). Written by IMDb Editors

Era/Year of Portrayal: present_day
Distinctive characteristics of the world in portrayal:

Present day - hut in an entirely diffferent world, populated by robots.

Technology

  • Name of portrayed presence-evoking technology: Robots
  • Description of the technology: The robots are built in the image of humans, with similiar bodies, but all mechanical. Despite thier mecahnical bodies, each robot has its own personality, emotions, hopes and dreams. They are generally mobile, and communicate through speaking. They interact with each other as humans do, and behave as humans do.
  • Nature of task or activity: the evoke presence through daily activities, speaking with each other, working, traveling, etc.
  • Performance of the Technology: they work well, until their parts break. Upon breaking, Rodney (the protaganist) fixes them.
  • Description of creator(s): unknown.
  • Major goal(s) of creator(s): unknown.
  • Description of users of technology: The robots are all ages, genders, and race is neglible. They all have differernt roles to fulfill in society and various jobs.
  • Type(s) of presence experience in the portrayal: social_presence
  • Description of presence experience: it is customary, and neither pleasant or unpleasant.
  • User awareness of technology during experience: yes.
  • Valence of experience: enjoy it.
  • Specific responses: intense parasocial relationships, enjoyment, involvement.
Long-term consequences:

Happy ending. The evil robot is destroyed and they all live happily ever after.

Other:

Coder name: Amanda Scheiner
Coder email: amandags@temple.edu
Coder affiliation: Temple University