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"I'm very taken by mythology. I read it at a very early age and kept on reading it. Before I discovered science fiction I was reading mythology."
- Roger Zelazny

Robot Rights  
  Should robots have the rights of men?  

This is perhaps the earliest direct reference to the idea that robots should have the same rights as people. In addition, since this is an autonomous robot, it must have some sort of artificial intelligence animating the machine.

The law officer gasped. "Well — uh — " He began again, lamely. "But this is different! This robot is a moving, li — no, not living — but anyway — uh — it's a creature, and — " He was too muddled by the sudden change of concept to go on.

Tom Link smiled. I suddenly perceived that he was a very clever young man. He had planned this trap! "Right, sheriff," he said quickly. "This robot is a creature. It is not an animal, for animals don't talk. It is a manlike being. Therefore, like any other talking, thinking man, he is entitled to a court trial!"


('The Trial of Adam Link, Robot (1939) by Eando Binder)

The sheriff tried to remonstrate, but Tom hustled him out, and the other men with him. "If you want to continue prosecution of Adam Link, the intelligent robot," was Tom's parting shot, "come back with a warrant of arrest!"

Technovelgy from The Trial of Adam Link, Robot, by Eando Binder.
Published by Amazing Stories in 1939
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Additional resources:
  More Ideas and Technology from The Trial of Adam Link, Robot
  More Ideas and Technology by Eando Binder
  Tech news articles related to The Trial of Adam Link, Robot
  Tech news articles related to works by Eando Binder

Robot Rights-related news articles:
  - Should AIs and AI Robots Demand Rights?

Articles related to Robotics
Proof Of Robothood - Not A Person
Dancing Robots Taught Dance Moves
Factory Humanoid Robots Built By Humanoid Robots
Mornine Sales Robot

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Science Fiction in the News

Proof Of Robothood - Not A Person
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Dancing Robots Taught Dance Moves
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Yes, it's a delivery robot. On wheels.

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Factory Humanoid Robots Built By Humanoid Robots
'...haven't you a section of the factory where only robot labor is employed?'

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'... oblongs were all over the floor and surfaces.'

ChatGPT Now Participates in Group Chats
'...the city was their laboratory in human psychology.'

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