AI Policy Making [Intermission]: Friday Night Fun

When you get bored with writing policy, why not create a new TV show instead …

What’s the movie about the robot called “number 5”?

The movie you are referring to is called "Short Circuit" (1986). The film is a science fiction comedy about a military robot named "Number 5" that becomes sentient after being struck by lightning. Number 5 then escapes from the facility where it was created and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, while being pursued by the military who want to deactivate it. Along the way, Number 5 befriends a woman named Stephanie (played by Ally Sheedy) and learns about human emotions and the value of life. The movie was directed by John Badham and starred Steve Guttenberg, Ally Sheedy, and Fisher Stevens.

Yes, what was the robot called?

The robot in the movie "Short Circuit" was called "Number 5."

Did it have any other description?

In the movie "Short Circuit," the robot Number 5 was also known as SAINT (Strategic Artificially Intelligent Nuclear Transport), and was designed as a military robot to function as a mobile, nuclear-armed platform. However, after being struck by lightning, Number 5 gains sentience and becomes self-aware, developing a curiosity about the world and a desire to live beyond its original programming. The robot is depicted as having a friendly and inquisitive personality, with a childlike sense of wonder and a fondness for human pop culture.

How would I describe it to the midjourney AI do it knows what I’m describing?

To describe the robot "Number 5" to the midjourney AI, you could say that it is a fictional robot character from the 1986 science fiction comedy film "Short Circuit." The robot is depicted as having a round, white body with tank treads for movement and a pair of robotic arms, with a pair of large, expressive eyes and a friendly, inquisitive demeanor. It is designed as a military robot but gains sentience and develops a childlike sense of wonder, learning about the world and developing a fondness for human pop culture. You could also mention that the robot is also known by its military designation, SAINT (Strategic Artificially Intelligent Nuclear Transport).

Does the robot in that movie look like wall-e?

While there are some similarities in the design of the robots in the movies "Short Circuit" and "WALL-E," they are actually quite different. The robot "Number 5" in "Short Circuit" is a more angular, mechanical-looking robot with a white and black color scheme, a more boxy and utilitarian body, and tank treads for movement. "WALL-E," on the other hand, has a more rounded and sleek design, with a rusted metal color scheme and caterpillar tracks for movement. Additionally, "WALL-E" is a much smaller robot than "Number 5" and has a different set of abilities and functions. So while there are some similarities between the two robots, they are ultimately quite distinct in their design and appearance.

Would they be friends if they were to meet each other?

As both "Number 5" from "Short Circuit" and "WALL-E" are depicted as having friendly and inquisitive personalities, it is possible that they would become friends if they were to meet each other. However, it's worth noting that they come from different fictional universes with different rules and storylines, so it's impossible to say for certain what might happen if they were to interact. Ultimately, it would be up to the writers and creators of those characters to decide if and how they might interact with each other.

I think that could be a good story. What other robot from a film would they become friends with?

It's always fun to imagine crossover scenarios between different fictional universes, and there are many robot characters from film that "Number 5" and "WALL-E" could potentially become friends with. Here are a few examples:

1. "Johnny 5" from "Short Circuit" (sequel to "Short Circuit") - Given that "Johnny 5" is another sentient robot character from the same film series as "Number 5," it's easy to imagine that the two robots would get along well and have a lot in common.

2. "Baymax" from "Big Hero 6" - Both "Baymax" and "WALL-E" are designed as helpful and caring robots, so it's possible that they would bond over their shared desire to assist and protect humans.

3. "R2-D2" from "Star Wars" - While "R2-D2" is a very different kind of robot from "WALL-E" and "Number 5," they all share a sense of curiosity and a willingness to explore new worlds and take on exciting challenges.

4. "Bender" from "Futurama" - While "Bender" is a much more cynical and mischievous robot than "WALL-E" or "Number 5," it's possible that they could form an odd-couple style friendship based on their differences.

I could imagine all of those robots hanging out as friends in the basement like “That 70s show”. What would be the plot of the first pilot episode?

Imagining a crossover scenario with those robots hanging out as friends in the basement is definitely fun! Here's one possible plot for the first pilot episode:

Title: "Robot Hangout"

Plot: After a chance meeting in a junkyard, "WALL-E," "Number 5," "Johnny 5," "Baymax," "R2-D2," and "Bender" become fast friends and decide to set up a secret hangout in an abandoned basement. They spend their days exploring the basement, sharing stories and jokes, and debating the merits of their respective robot designs. However, their peaceful existence is threatened when a group of evil robots led by the ruthless "Megatron" (from "Transformers") discover their hideout and decide to attack. Working together, the robots use their unique skills and abilities to defend their turf and defeat the invaders, cementing their friendship and setting the stage for many more adventures to come.

Of course, the plot could go in many different directions depending on what tone and style of storytelling the writers wanted to go for, but this is one possible idea to kick things off!

I agree. Every gang of friends needs an evil enemy to foil!

Having an antagonist or enemy for the group of friends to overcome is a classic storytelling trope that can add tension, excitement, and stakes to the plot. It can also help to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the characters and allow them to work together to overcome a common foe. Additionally, having an enemy can help to set up future conflicts and challenges for the characters to face, creating a sense of ongoing narrative and character development. So including an evil enemy like "Megatron" for the robots to face off against could be a fun and exciting way to kick off a new series or story!