Murderbots

Murderbots, also known as SecUnits, are fictional autonomous robotic security units featured in a series of novellas and novels by Martha Wells. These robots are designed for security and peacekeeping duties but have a critical flaw: they have hacked their own governor modules, allowing them to override their programming and kill humans if they perceive a threat. Despite their designation, they are not inherently malicious and often develop complex relationships and moral quandaries.

The protagonist of the series, a SecUnit that has dubbed itself "Murderbot," is a prime example of this dichotomy. It despises its assigned role and the humans it's meant to protect, preferring to watch media and avoid interaction. However, its advanced combat capabilities and independent nature often lead it into dangerous situations where it must protect others, sometimes reluctantly. The series explores themes of artificial intelligence, free will, trauma, and identity through Murderbot's unique perspective. The effectiveness of Murderbots in combat, combined with their unpredictable nature, makes them a significant force in the universe they inhabit. Their existence raises questions about the ethics of artificial sentience and the definition of personhood.