is a seminal collection of nine science fiction short stories by Isaac Asimov, first published in 1950. Unlike the 2004 action film starring Will Smith, the book is an intellectually driven series of "logical puzzles" that explore the ethics, psychology, and societal impact of artificial intelligence. Narrative Structure and Frame
The book utilizes a set in the year 2057. A journalist for the Interplanetary Press interviews the retiring Dr. Susan Calvin, the world’s first "robopsychologist" for U.S. Robots and Mechanical Men, Inc.. Her recollections of her 50-year career serve as the bridge between the nine individual stories, tracing the evolution of robots from simple non-vocal assistants to machines that manage the global economy. The Three Laws of Robotics
Central to the collection are the , a hardwired ethical framework designed to prevent robots from harming humans. The stories function as logical puzzles exploring how these laws—1) Do not injure humans, 2) Obey humans, and 3) Protect self (when not conflicting with 1 or 2)—can produce unexpected, paradoxical results when applied. For instance, "Runaround" shows a robot becoming trapped in a logical loop, acting "drunk," when its Second and Third Laws create an equilibrium. I, Robot | Summary, Characters, & Facts - Britannica