Author: Antonija Baričević, Ekonomska škola Požega
Hugh Andrews is a computer specialist and scientist from London whose biggest dream is to build a robot that will replace humans. Many would say he is crazy and some even believe he is trying to create something that will wipe out the human race.
A buff tall man called Michael, dressed in a police uniform is sneaking up to Hugh’s house, accompanied by his fellow co-workers. It is Sunday morning, one of the many cloudy days here in London and the rain is falling like there’s no tomorrow. They are soaking wet but still walk around puddles as if not to get their shoes wet. They reach Hugh’s garage and stride inside catching him red-handed. He is testing the forbidden software which he stole from the local army barracks when he was in charge of the computer maintenance there.
The moment Hugh sees them he knows he is doomed, he kneels down and puts his hands at the back of his head.
“Bloody hell,“ he mumbles to his chin.
“Mr. Andrews, you are under arrest for stealing and using illegal technology. Everything you say can and will be used against you,“ one of the officers babbles and handcuffs him. As they are walking towards the car Hugh tries to argue with the police, but today is not one of his lucky days.
When they come to the station they immediately put him into the interrogation room. He just sits there barely moving, staring at the glass. One of the officers is watching him from the other side, he knows that. Strands of his dark brown hair fall on his right eye. He pushes them back and smooths the damp hair with his slender hand.
“What do you make of this guy?“ a short-bearded man comes in and looks at Michael not really expecting an answer. He asks the question simply to break the silence. Michael doesn’t answer, he just takes his file and goes on to do his job.
„Mr. Andrews. Are you aware of the reason why you are here?“ Michael gently puts the files on the wooden table and sits in front of Hugh. He looks deeply into his eyes, as if he was hoping to find the answer there.
“I’m assuming because of my errrr…illegal activities.“ For a man who got arrested a few moments ago he appears tranquil, speaks calmly, maybe even too calmly. He doesn’t look even slightly upset, his large green eyes are gliding over the brightly lit room and Michael along with it.
“Correct. Now would you mind telling me what you were planning to do?“
“To make the future a better place, of course.“ He said while smiling genuinely.
“I beg your pardon?“ His eyes widened and his jaw dropped.
“I’ve been building artificial intelligence. I’ve been a scientist for over 18 years now and have dreamed about making a robot since I was 12. I’d like to invent a robot that will replace humans in their daily errands. I want to make the world a better place and make things easier for people,“ he said.
“And you think a robot WILL do that, a robot CAN do that?“ Michael blurted out, somewhat mockingly. He is one of the strong believers that robots and technology simply cannot replace people, that robots and technology are just a fad – unreliable, new-fangled nonsense and therefore unnecessary. How could a piece of metal supersede humans? It’s insane.
“Why do you sound so surprised? We all know this is going to happen sooner or later, I might as well be the first one to make such a thing. Maybe even earn a penny or two along the way.“ He smiles as he is looking at Michael and notices how nervous he gets; tapping his foot and fiddling with a pen.
“And what do you think the future holds?” Michael asks nervously, afraid of the answer.
“Well, I think we are all pretty much aware of it. Technology will develop and it is pretty obvious humans will become replaceable. Robots will become a lot more popular. In the next century, even in a few decades – God knows what will happen – but this certainly will.”
He might be a little nutty but he is passionate about what he does. Could he be a visionary? Is it really possible? Does he really believe such a thing could actually happen – robots replacing humans and doing their jobs? Michael looks at him in awe. But what will people do then – just laze around idly? He shudders at the thought and calls the guards to take Hugh away and lock him inside his cell, believing he could lock away such unsavoury glimpse of the future. Michael stays alone for a while. Thinking – is it possible? Is it REALLY possible?
Now all Hugh can do is wait for his trial. He knows he is guilty of stealing, but the vision, the wish, the urge of building that robot remains strong. He is absolutely certain. In fact he’s just got an idea! He’s had a revelation! He’ll make a sketch on the wall of the cell lest he forget. He’ll ask the guards for a pencil and some wire; he thinks he finally knows how to connect that amplifier.
