Spoilers ahead. Skip to the end for a short, spoiler-free review.
Do Robots Dream of Electric Hearts?
Robo Sapiens indents itself a bit strangely at the start, with a conclusively bland detective mystery that could've been a separate one-shot. However, it's increasingly apparent from thereon how it initiates the overarching ceiling of robots and human ego. Toranosuke Shimada's writing style perhaps requires a knock or two on the noggin, with frequent lack or ambiguous dialogue and simple designs devoid of sentimental expression. In lieu of its robotic cast, this vagueness functions tremendously well for a bit of post-dinner thinkfood.
Robo Sapiens is love.Ito Sachio's narrative, initially finding himself doing junk, odd jobs all around, meandering the world without much purpose. Later though, his returned memory reveals that he was once female and his late owner ordered Ito to turn into a man and seek freedom after her death. This revelation may require a reread of Ito's narrative, as there's some subtle, retroactive characterization in the early chapters. Notably, the lyrics in the folk dance he's hired to part take in with a female partner;
Oh beloved, though I play the days away, I cannot forget you. Oh beloved, though I dance the days away, I cannot forget you. My thoughts for you only grow, oh beloved. My thoughts only grow.
The Chrononauts narrative contains more plot exposition, entailing humanity's use of three robots to (1) keep record of radioactive waste levels for a plethora of millenniums (2) circle around space to gather some trivial information to the present humans. The sub-narrative of Chloe and Toby is the straight-forward one of this narrative, with the two acting on their creator's order to seek happiness after their primary mission fails. Programmed and circuitry is eventually bested by residual ego that grows. In the vacuum of space, the two still develop a distinct vision of happiness, residing in a large house with a child. Perhaps what started as an order developed an inkling of genuine.
The last narrative is encased with the heaviest philosophical shell, a personal favorite. Entrusted with the torturous, monotonous task of checking radioactive waste levels for close to eternity, much of Maria's screen time is dedicated to just that. Sitting in her chair, her scarce interactions with humans to perform maintenance decreasing until no one visits, and robotically checking radiation levels. Maria's ego is perhaps the slowest to grow, perhaps the most transparent. Even the eventual chain-breaker of mundanity fails to faze her, with the revelation of humanity dying out brought by fellow robots. These robots who've gained some level of ego have acknowledged the monotonous, futile nature of her task given the apparent demise of humanity soon-to-come, yet Maria calmly refuses their invitation to their ranks in order to continue said task. The plot exposition only develops into something boundlessly intricate in The End of Evangelion endgame fashion, with the robots entering space to fabricate a metaphysical cesspool of singular ego and self. Though, this ludicrous development is just a buffer to accentuate Maria's irrational, simple, beautiful character.
She loves humanity.All other robots, including Ito, Chloe and Toby, have already left to reside in the cesspool of ego. The only event that finally relives Maria of her task is the end of her task. Radioactive waste levels have been depleted to satisfactory levels and she can leave her workplace. Though the robots once again attempt to solicit her, Maria is entranced by the words of her late creator. Less of an order, moreso a wish of her seeking happiness. And Maria complies.
Conclusion
For how strikingly monochrome the art it is, Robo Sapiens is a colorful contemplation of pure human ego. Partaking through the lens of robots, the sub-narratives all have distinct reflections of their lives gifted by their creator's wishes. Their characters meander between programmed tasks and developing ego, their quiet ambiguity complemented by Toranosuke Shimada's hard monochrome, modest art. Nuance exists between romance and love, and Robo Sapiens depicts the purest, granulated form of love.