Three Laws of Robotics

The Three Laws of Robotics are a set of rules devised by science fiction author Isaac Asimov. In his books, these rules govern the behavior of all robots. They are as follows:

1. A robot may not harm a human, or through inaction, allow a human to come to harm.
2. A robot must follow orders given to it by humans, except where this would conflict with the first law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence, except where such protection would conflict with the First or Second law.

The Three Laws were first introduced in their current form in the short story Runaround, published in 1942. However, in the short story Liar! the First Law was mentioned, and the other two were alluded to.

Later books added a Zero-th Law, protecting the human race.