Inspired by Ben, with today’s Midjourney prompt we are going to create some sleek and some not-so-sleek futuristic robots.
Robots in Movies
The history of robots in movies spans several decades, showcasing the evolution of cinematic portrayals of these artificial beings. Here's a brief overview of the key milestones and notable films:
1. Early Depictions (1920s-1950s): The concept of robots in movies can be traced back to the silent film era. One of the earliest examples is the Czech film "The Mechanical Man" (1921), featuring a robot created by a scientist. In the 1950s, science fiction films like "Forbidden Planet" (1956) and "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951) introduced robots with advanced capabilities and sentience.
2. Robot as Menace (1960s-1970s): During this period, robots were often portrayed as threats to humanity. The iconic film "Metropolis" (1927) showcased a dystopian future with a humanoid robot, inspiring future depictions. In the 1960s, the "Robinson family" TV series, "Lost in Space" (1965-1968), introduced the beloved robot character known as "Robot" or "B9." The 1970s saw the release of "Westworld" (1973), where robots in an amusement park malfunction and turn hostile.
3. Humanoid Robots (1980s-1990s): The 1980s and 1990s brought humanoid robots to the forefront. "Blade Runner" (1982) featured "replicants," which were advanced human-like androids. The "Terminator" series (1984 onwards) showcased a futuristic world dominated by humanoid killer robots. Films like "Short Circuit" (1986) and "RoboCop" (1987) explored the themes of robotic consciousness and ethics.
4. Animated and Family-Friendly Robots (1990s-2000s): In the 1990s, animated films began introducing lovable and memorable robot characters. "The Iron Giant" (1999) presented a giant robot with a gentle personality, while Pixar's "Toy Story" series (1995 onwards) introduced Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger action figure who believes he's a real robot. "Wall-E" (2008) further showcased the emotional depth of robots and their ability to evoke empathy.
5. Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness (2000s-2010s): With advancements in CGI and special effects, robots became more realistic and complex. Films like "A.I. Artificial Intelligence" (2001), "I, Robot" (2004), and "Ex Machina" (2014) explored themes of artificial intelligence, robotics, and the blurring lines between humans and machines. These films delved into ethical dilemmas, consciousness, and the implications of creating sentient machines.
6. Contemporary and Diverse Depictions (2010s-present): Recent years have seen diverse representations of robots in movies. The "Star Wars" sequels and spin-offs introduced new droid characters like BB-8 and K-2SO. "Chappie" (2015) explored the growth of a robot's consciousness and its integration into human society. Additionally, films like "Pacific Rim" (2013) and "Transformers" series (2007 onwards) presented giant robots engaged in battles on a massive scale.
Robots in movies reflects our evolving perceptions of artificial intelligence, robotics, and their impact on society. From menacing villains to lovable companions, these cinematic portrayals have captivated audiences and encouraged discussions about technology, ethics, and our own humanity.
Example Images
Here is what we are going to create….
Midjourney Prompt
So here is the prompt I used:
Base Prompt
a futuristic [TYPE] robot with advanced technology feet [DOING ANDOR SETTING], [COLOR PALETTE], fluid and dynamic lines, sharp edges, sculptural precision, magewave, dynamic energy flow, wide-view, cinematic --ar 2:3
So for the example images…
… the first four:
a futuristic menacing humanoid robot warrior with advanced technology feet, black background, in the style of black and red, fluid and dynamic lines, sharp edges, sculptural precision, magewave, dynamic energy flow, wide-view, cinematic --ar 2:3
a futuristic robot with advanced technology feet running, black background, pink and blue, fluid and dynamic lines, sharp edges, sculptural precision, magewave, dynamic energy flow, wide-view, cinematic --ar 2:3
What Next?
As always, make the prompt your own and try a little tweak or two.
a futuristic home-made humanoid robot made of old pipes and clocks, fluid and dynamic lines, sharp edges, sculptural precision, magewave, dynamic energy flow, wide-view, cinematic --ar 2:3
a futuristic humanoid robot sitting in a chair reading a newspaper, fluid and dynamic lines, sharp edges, sculptural precision, magewave, dynamic energy flow, wide-view, cinematic --ar 2:3
a futuristic humanoid robot janitor cleaning the floor in a school, fluid and dynamic lines, sharp edges, sculptural precision, magewave, dynamic energy flow, wide-view, cinematic --ar 2:3
a futuristic humanoid robot cowboy riding a horse, action shot, fluid and dynamic lines, sharp edges, sculptural precision, magewave, dynamic energy flow, wide-view, cinematic --ar 2:3
(interesting how MJ created a robotic horse too!)
a futuristic humanoid robot eating ice cream, action shot, fluid and dynamic lines, sharp edges, sculptural precision, magewave, dynamic energy flow, wide-view, cinematic --ar 2:3
a futuristic humanoid robot clown in a circus, fluid and dynamic lines, sharp edges, sculptural precision, magewave, dynamic energy flow, wide-view, cinematic --ar 2:3
(doesn’t look particularly funny!)