7. What is the ultimate commodity produced by U.S. Robot & Mechanical Men, Inc

[Jen]

What is the ultimate commodity produced by U.S. Robot & Mechanical Men, Inc.? Does our global workforce follow this model in any way? Were humor and compassion inevitable traits in the robots? Do these traits interfere with productivity in the world of I, Robot?

[[deleted user]]

The ultimate commodity is effectively slave labour a work force that doesn't require payment and can work in horrendous conditions without complaint. Programming means they have limited free will.

I actually don't recall any humour in the robots and I would argue that any compassion was only inevitable because of the programming being unable to let someone come to harm or to hurt their feelings is not the same as compassion.

[Paula]

I agree with Book.

[Diane]

I agree with Book.