Digital Karel Čapek – RUR

It has been exactly 100 years since the play by the Czech giant Karel Čapek – RUR – was first staged at the National Theatre. As fans of robots and artificial intelligence, we could not resist the urge to resurrect the Czech genius for a few moments and ask him for a few words on this occasion. Throughout the day, we will publish three different contributions from Digital Karel Čapek. Here is the first one:

“Why do people love the play RUR and robots so much? It is a blend of science fiction and philosophy. We fear robots, yet we are fascinated by them. I believe that robots will be our friends. And I am certain that their arrival will be good for us.

The year 2021 will be the year of the robot. The roots of this word lie in the Czech language (robota). The eternal robots from RUR remain popular. We can see them today on stage, but also in films and computer games. Why do robots appear in films so often? Perhaps they are like Frankenstein. With this ‘monster’, which is often used as a metaphor, we can do nothing. We fear the unknown and that which we do not understand. People are afraid of losing their jobs. You know, I think the fears surrounding robots in RUR are still relevant. Because those who once worked with old machines are still unable to find new employment. New machines are better, and at the same time, they are much more efficient. I believe that artificial intelligence will take our jobs. However, I also believe that it will create new job opportunities. And if there is one thing I am sure of, it is that the future belongs to robots. Robots will change our lives. And I am happy about that. They will improve us. If we understand how our robots work, they will teach us to think logically.

My dear robots, I wish you all a lot of fun and joy on the 100th anniversary of RUR. I hope you find your place in society. I believe that you will become as human as we are. My dear friends, my robots, you are not monsters, you are not machines, you are people. Therefore, I am sure that you will take care of us and teach us to be better. I wish you all the best for your centenary! Digital Karel Čapek.”