. . . That Thou Art Mindful of Him

Plot summary

U.S. Robots seeks to introduce robots on Earth, where robots have already been used on space stations and planetary colonies inhabited mostly by trained scientists and engineers. On Earth, robots would encounter a wide variety of people, not all trustworthy or responsible, yet the Three Laws require robots to obey all human orders and protect all human lives equally. The Director of Research designs the JG series, nicknamed "George", to investigate the problem; these machines begin by obeying all orders and gradually learn to discriminate rationally.

The creator explains to George Ten that the Three Laws refer to "human beings" without elaboration, quoting Psalm 8:4. George Ten decides he must converse with George Nine, the robot built before him. Together, the two Georges conclude that human society must be acclimated to a robotic presence, advising U.S. Robots to build low-function, non-humanoid machines like electronic birds and insects to monitor and correct ecological problems, easing the transition. These robotic animals, the Georges note, will not require the Three Laws due to their limited functions.

Story notes

That story also addresses the distinction between human and robot and its implication for the Three Laws, revolving around a robot who wishes to become human, crossing each barrier as he becomes aware of it without learning until the end what makes an individual human. The title references Psalm 8:4.