Robot Stars Made Better
Photograph: Lynn Goldsmith/CorbisBefore any of us had robots in our homes, we saw them at the movies or on television. But
those robot celebs weren't perfect. Here's what we'd change
about three of pop culture's most beloved machines.
C-3PO
One of cinema's most anthropomorphic robots, this Star Wars creation possessed many advanced skills but never matched the good looks or spunk of his waste-basket-on-wheels companion, R2-D2.
What we'd reprogram: We can forgive the dithering cowardice. But that supercilious British accent has to go.
Rosie the Robot
The Jetsons' always-on-duty automated maid could vacuum, cook, and answer the door. She even taught Elroy to shoot hoops--plus she looked tidy in her built-in apron.
What we'd reprogram: Rosie was ever efficient and thorough, but let's face it, her figure wasn't exactly what most men hoped to see in a French maid's outfit.
Robot B9
With a barrel chest like a slot machine and arms like ribbed gutter tubing, the robot on TV's Lost in Space looked ready for serious wet/dry vacuum work. But he mostly ended up serving as a mechanized babysitter.
What we'd reprogram: A bit of paranoia can be a good thing. But when a bot flails its arms and yells "Danger! Danger!" every half-hour, the thrill gets old in a hurry.
Ed Albro
Eric Hellweg is a freelance writer in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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