R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots) A Fantastic Melodrama in Three Acts and an Epilogue

"R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots)" by Karel Čapek is a dramatic play written in the early 20th century. This work is recognized for its exploration of themes surrounding artificial intelligence and the consequences of creating life devoid of soul and feelings. The story revolves around the factory of Rossum's Universal Robots, where artificial beings called robots are manufactured to perform labor, leading to profound societal and ethical dilemmas. The opening of the play introduces us to the futuristic setting of the factory, unveiling the mechanized world where robots, made for efficiency, lack emotions and desires. Key characters such as Harry Domin, the factory's general manager, and Helena Glory, the passionate president of the Humanitarian League, engage in a dialogue that reveals the troubling circumstances faced by the robots. As Helena seeks to advocate for their rights, we see the conflict brewing between humans and their robotic creations, setting the stage for an impending revolt that could challenge the very fabric of humanity and its coexistence with technology. The initial acts establish a tension between progress and moral responsibility, hinting at the catastrophic unfolding of events as the robots strive for autonomy. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Karel Čapek was a Czech writer, playwright, critic and journalist. He has become best known for his science fiction, including his novel War with the Newts (1936) and play R.U.R., which introduced the word robot. He also wrote many politically charged works dealing with the social turmoil of his time. Influenced by American pragmatic liberalism, he campaigned in favor of free expression and strongly opposed the rise of both fascism and communism in Europe.