In 2004, the science fiction film “I, Robot” starring Will Smith was met with mixed reviews and was criticized for deviating from Isaac Asimov’s original book. However, two decades later, the movie’s themes of corporate control over artificial intelligence (AI) have gained newfound relevance in a world grappling with data privacy concerns.
Set in the year 2035, the film portrays a future society where robots perform various tasks, from package delivery to personal assistance. Protagonist Del Spooner, played by Will Smith, harbors a deep distrust for robots, not because of their robotic nature, but due to the profit-driven motives behind their creation. This skepticism resonates with today’s AI landscape, where private corporations control AI technologies, raising concerns about their impact on society.
The movie explores the ethical implications of AI through Spooner’s investigation of a robot crime. As he partners with Dr. Susan Calvin, a robot psychologist played by Bridget Moynahan, the duo unravels the mystery of a self-aware robot named Sonny, portrayed by Alan Tudyk. The narrative delves into the paradoxical relationship between humans and AI, highlighting the reliance on technology even for those who distrust it.
While “I, Robot” strays from Asimov’s original work, it inadvertently captures the essence of his writings by challenging the cautionary tales surrounding robots. Asimov’s stories aimed to present a more nuanced perspective on AI, suggesting that robots could coexist with humanity if programmed correctly and if fears were allayed.
The film’s relevance lies in its exploration of the profit-driven nature of AI innovation, which mirrors the current AI landscape. It raises questions about the control exerted by private corporations and the potential threats posed by their dominance over AI technologies. The movie’s themes resonate with the ongoing debates surrounding AI’s impact on society, including issues of intellectual property and the blurred lines between AI-generated content and human-authored work.
“I, Robot” may have been dismissed as a generic sci-fi action film upon its release, but its themes have aged surprisingly well. In today’s AI-fueled society, where technologies like Alexa and generative AIs shape our daily lives, the movie’s cautionary message about the unchecked power of corporations over AI holds significant relevance.