In 'R.U.R.', robots serve as metaphors for labor and freedom, igniting a century-long discourse on the implications of artificial beings in society.

Key themes in robot literature often revolve around the fear of enslavement and the potential loss of control over creations, as seen in works like 'Westworld' and '2001: A Space Odyssey.'

Philip K. Dick's 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' and its film adaptation 'Blade Runner' further complicate the narrative by blurring the lines between human and robot identities.

The exploration of automatism in literature traces its roots from medieval folktales to modern interpretations, significantly shaped by Karel Čapek's 1921 play 'R.U.R.', which introduced the term 'robot.'

Legal scholar James Boyle highlights the irony in Dick's work, where empathy becomes a crucial factor in the survival of both androids and animals, challenging the notion of who truly lacks empathy.

Martha Wells's 'Murderbot Diaries,' which began with 'All Systems Red' in 2017, coincided with a rising public interest in AI, positioning the character of Murderbot as a unique voice in the AI discourse.

Murderbot, as created by Wells, embodies the concept of indifferent alien intelligences, showcasing an entity with its own preferences and a disinterest in becoming human.

This character represents an ambivalence towards humanity, focusing more on its own existential dilemmas rather than striving to emulate human behavior.

In contrast to many dystopian sci-fi narratives, the story of Murderbot emphasizes quirky dynamics with its human companions, providing a lighter perspective on the human-robot relationship.

The adaptation of 'Murderbot' into an Apple TV+ series has been well-received, with Wells actively involved in the development and expressing satisfaction with the portrayal of her character.

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence have sparked discussions about the ethical treatment of potentially conscious beings, raising questions about whether AI would seek inclusion in human society or aim to eliminate it.