How possible is Star Wars? Part III: Would droids leave humans without any work to do?

Anyone who has the least bit of familiarity with Star Wars knows that many of its most beloved characters aren’t flesh and blood. These characters, made of metal, are robots, or “droids” as they are called in the movies. While droids like C-3PO, R2-D2 and BB-8 may be created to serve humans, they also have self-awareness and a will to preserve their own existence.

In the Star Wars Universe, droids do much more than fill menial jobs. Many of them work as bounty hunters, scientists, physicians, pilots and diplomats.

Sound outlandish?

For many people, that’s exactly where they see the future of robotics going.

But is it possible?

Well, if you’ve been paying attention, it sure looks that way … depending on what you mean by “aware” and “self-preservation.”

The stage we’re closest to for robotic self awareness is the ability to distinguish itself from others. It may not sound like much, but it reflects decades of research.