Isaac Asimov (1920-1992) was an American writer of Russian origins.
He was a visionary and considered as one of the leading figures in
science-fiction, and he is specially known in
robotics by his
three laws (1942, Runaround):
- Fiirst Law: "A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being be exposed to danger ;"
- Second Law: "A robot must obey orders given by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law ;"
- Third Law: "A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law "
According to Asimov, "robots are going to free us":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJN9Kws4G38