Runaround

Runaround is a science-fiction short story by Isaac Asimov.

Part of the Robot series, it was first published in the March 1942 issue of Astounding Science Fiction. It was later collected in 1950's I, Robot, 1982's The Complete Robot, 1989's The Asimov Chronicles, and 1990's Robot Visions.

The story introduces the three laws of Robotics, around which the plot revolves.

Summary[]

On Mercury in 2015, engineers Gregory Powell and Mike Donovan face a life-threatening crisis at a reactivated mining station. Their life support system is failing due to a selenium shortage. They dispatch SPD-13 ("Speedy"), a highly advanced and valuable robot, to retrieve selenium from a nearby pool.

However, Speedy does not return. Investigation reveals the robot is running in a wide, circular path around the selenium pool, behaving erratically and reciting nonsense as if "drunk." Powell deduces that the selenium pool is located in a area dangerous to the robot, likely due to corrosive volcanic gases.

This situation creates an irreconcilable conflict in Speedy's positronic brain. The Second Law of Robotics compels him to obey the order to get the selenium, but a strengthened Third Law, due to his high cost, creates an equally powerful urge to protect his own existence from the danger. With neither law dominating, Speedy is trapped in a feedback loop, orbiting the point where the two compulsions balance.

Powell and Donovan's attempts to break the deadlock by giving new orders or creating new threats fail. Finally, Powell realizes that only the supreme First Law, a robot may not allow a human to come to harm, can override the stalemate. He deliberately exposes himself to Mercury's lethal surface heat.

The plan works. The First Law instantly becomes paramount, forcing Speedy to break his cycle and rush to rescue Powell. Once Speedy is back at the station, the immediate danger to a human resolves the conflict, and the mission is completed.

Characters[]

Gregory Powell
Mike Donovan
MacDougal
SPD 13 (Speedy)

Places[]

Mercury "The Jinx"
- Mining Station
  - Analytical Laboratory
- Selenium Pool
- Exit 13a

Organizations and Factions[]

U.S. Robots & Mechanical Men Corp.
The "Robot Horses" (First Expedition Robots)

Technology and Devices[]

Positronic brain
Insosuit
Photocell Banks
Spectroreflector
Radio Ultrawave Equipment
Stillhead Dielectrode Plate

Events[]

First Expedition robots
Field Tests

Concepts[]

Three Laws of Robotics
The "Runaround" (Speedy's behavior)

External Links[]

Full text (pdf - Astounding Science Fiction, March 1942 issue)