Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
Technology
Illustrated by Grace Lee

What does the origin story of the robot tell us about our future?

The first robot wasn't built in a workshop or a lab. It was the subject of a disturbing play — about the downfall of humans. But our relationship with robots doesn't have to be fraught with fear. Professor Genevieve Bell, presenter of the Boyer Lectures, explains.

To hear more from Professor Genevieve Bell on what it means to be human, and Australian, in a digital world, subscribe to the Boyer Lectures podcast.

Credits

  • Words: Professor Genevieve Bell
  • Illustrations: Grace Lee
  • Production: Rosanna Ryan
  • Editor: Scott Spark
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Kelly Osbourne Branded 'Cadaverous' by Critics as Pals Fear Her Weight Loss Goes 'Beyond Grief'
Kelly Osbourne's recent public appearances have raised alarm due to her dramatic weight loss, with friends and industry insiders expressing concern over her health.
International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Will Connor Storrie Join 'Heated Rivalry' Co-Star Hudson Williams on the 2026 Oscars Red Carpet?
Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie reunited at CAA's pre-Oscars party in Los Angeles, sparking speculation that the 'Heated Rivalry' co-stars could appear together at the 2026 Oscars.
International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Judge rips into tourist’s wild claims about ‘incapacitating’ spicy salsa, revealing the one simple thing he should have done
A New York City judge recently shut down a lawsuit from a tourist who claimed a taco spot’s salsa was so spicy it caused him “severe physical and emotional damage.” The tourist, Faycal Manz, an engineer from Germany, decided to sue Los Tacos No. 1 after a visit to their…
The Mary Sue
The Mary Sue
Snickers new custom font is deliciously nutty
Studio Drama gives the iconic brand a delectable revamp.
Creative Bloq
Creative Bloq
‘Everything seemed to go right’: Kurt Russell might ‘never make his peace’ with Tombstone — but The Madison on Paramount+ is his Western redemption
New Paramount+ show The Madison marks Kurt Russell’s triumphant return to the Western genre — and he’s convinced it’s the ‘best thing’ Taylor Sheridan has ever made.
TechRadar
TechRadar
Kai Cenat return rumors explode after viral clip from Roberto Fanum Gonzalez Twitch stream shows mystery figure walking inside AMP house
Fans recently began speculating about Kai Cenat returning to livestreaming after a clip from Roberto “Fanum” Gonzalez’s Twitch stream showed a person who looked like him at the AMP house. The video, shared by @AMPexclusive on X, went viral with over 1.9 million views. However, Kai Cenat has not officially…
The Times of India
The Times of India
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play