UCLA Professor Creates Robot Cosmo for Netflix’s The Electric State

The upcoming Netflix film The Electric State, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, is based on Simon Stålenhag's illustrated novel and is set in a post-apocalyptic 1990s where sentient robots have revolted against humans. The story follows Michelle, played by Millie Bobby Brown, as she embarks on a perilous journey to find her presumed-dead brother, aided by a smuggler named Keats (Chris Pratt) and a robot companion. The film explores themes of robot autonomy, the aftermath of a human-robot war, and the moral implications of technology. Notably, the movie features a blend of live-action and voice talent, including Chris Pratt and Anthony Mackie. Additionally, Dennis Hong, a UCLA robotics expert, contributed to the film by designing a custom robot, emphasizing the connection between real-world robotics advancements and cinematic storytelling. As the race for more capable humanoid robots accelerates, the film’s themes resonate with ongoing developments in AI and robotics.