The self-contained, multi-purpose human-like robot has been a theme of science fiction for generations, from Star Wars` C3PO and R2D2 in the 70s to, er, C3PO and R2D2 in the 90s.

Seeking perfection

Poor prequels aside, the search for a robotic New Age of Civilisation, somewhere on the scale of the industrial revolution, has garnered significant scientific and corporate interest since the late 60s. On a social level, robotics promised the end to menial labour and chores. One day we would look back on welders, plumbers, maids and journalists with disdain and wonder what kind of so-called civilised world would force people into such menial labour. There was also a fairly substantial financial incentive – imagine having the patent for the conveyor belt.