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"I suspect that religion is a necessary evil in the childhood of our particular species. And that's one of the interesting things about contact with other intelligences: we could see what role, if any, religion plays in their development."
- Arthur C. Clarke

Robopsychologist  
  One who examines the thought processes of robots.  

As far as I know, Asimov invented the words "robopsychologist" and "robopsychology" and was the first to construct a story with such a character

Lanning swiveled about in his chair and faced Calvin, “You’ll have to tackle the job from the other direction. You’re the robopsychologist of the plant, so you’re to study the robot itself and work backwards. Try to find out how he ticks. See what else is tied up with his telepathic powers, how far they extend, how they warp his outlook, and just exactly what harm it has done to his ordinary RB properties. You’ve got that?”

Lanning didn't wait for Dr. Calvin to answer.

Susan Calvin answered with a barely perceptible nod, but her eyes followed him out of sight and she did not answer when Lanning grunted and said, “Do you want to go up and see RB 34 now, Dr. Calvin?”

Technovelgy from Liar, by Isaac Asimov.
Published by Astounding Science Fiction in 1941
Additional resources -

Dr. Calvin goes to see RB 34:

RB 34’s photoelectric eyes lifted from the book at the muffled sound of hinges turning and he was upon his feet when Susan Calvin entered. She paused to readjust the huge “No Entrance” sign upon the door and then approached the robot with a friendly smile.


(The Robopsychologist from 'Liar!' by Isaac Asimov)

“I’ve brought you the texts upon hyperatomic motors, Herbie — a few anyway. Would you care to look at them?”

This quote contains the word "robopsychology":

“Has Calvin told you about the robot. It’s a mathematical genius. Really remarkable.”

The other snorted loudly, “So I’ve heard. But Calvin had better stick to robopsychology. I’ve checked Herbie on math, and he can scarcely struggle through calculus.”

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Additional resources:
  More Ideas and Technology from Liar
  More Ideas and Technology by Isaac Asimov
  Tech news articles related to Liar
  Tech news articles related to works by Isaac Asimov

Robopsychologist-related news articles:
  - AI Welfare Position At Anthropic Filled By Human

Articles related to Robotics
Your Window For Being A Tesla Optimus Remote Operator May Be Closing
Waymo Autonomous Cab Hits Autonomous Delivery Robot
Jizai Arms 'Free Limbs' Wearable Cyborg Arms
SwagBot Robotic AI Cattle-Herding From Down Under

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