Many robots are featured in cartoons and animated series. These characters are often faster, stronger, and smarter than their human counterparts. They may stand against danger, or they might cause it. Either way, fans often flock to robot characters due to the way they perceive and interact with their worlds.
Some iconic robots have been around for decades. Their popularity allows them to return to the small screen due to constant remakes or reboots of their original series. This is a testament to how loved they are, whether they are the heroes of their narratives, the villains, or fall somewhere in the morally ambiguous middle.
10 Bender Became The Face Of Futurama
Futurama
One of the most well-known animated sitcoms is Futurama. Futurama follows similar beats to series like The Simpsons and Disenchantment, but it takes place a thousand years into the future. Among the main characters is Bender, a robot and member of the Planet Express crew.
Futurama ran for seven seasons, and it's well-known by many audiences due to its pop culture relevance. Although Bender starts as a minor character, he becomes one of the faces of the show as Futurama progresses. He is memorable for his design, comedy, and appearances in other popular series.
9 Red Tornado Is A Trusted Hero
Young Justice & Justice League Unlimited
Red Tornado has appeared in several series. He's a recurring character in Justice League Unlimited, and one of the heroes entrusted to care for the team in Young Justice. In the latter series, he spends his time watching over the fledgling team while they reside in Mount Justice.
Red Tornado is a beloved robot who just wants to become more human. Not only does he oversee the team's training, but he also refers to himself as the team's "Den Mother." He is one of the recurring Justice League members who interact with the team the most, and this makes him a trusted character in Young Justice.
8 Inspector Gadget Is A '90s Favorite Cyborg Detective
Inspector Gadget
The Inspector Gadget series began in 1982 and ran for two seasons. This titular inspector was a police investigator with cyborg components who became a popular character in the '80s and '90s. Inspector Gadget spawned a franchise, which includes two live-action films and several shows. While these projects only added to the titular character's relevance, the original series made him beloved.
Working under a secret police organization, Inspector Gadget does his best to stop international crime. His biggest adversary is the criminal organization known as M.A.D., which is run by Dr. Claw. Inspector Gadget is one of the most iconic detectives and robots of all time.
7 The Teen Titans Wouldn't Be The Same Without Cyborg
Teen Titans & Teen Titans Go
One of Cartoon Network's most well-received series is Teen Titans. The show is based on the DC Comics team of the same name, which meant the inclusion of Victor Stone. The Titans wouldn't be the same without their resident Cyborg, who founded the team. In the series, he's an excellent fighter and a close friend to his teammates.
Cyborg is brought back in Teen Titans Go. While Teen Titans Go is targeted toward a younger audience, Cyborg retains many of the traits that made him popular to begin with. His strength, intelligence, and humor make him an integral part of every series he appears in.
6 Baymax Is The Perfect Helping Hand
Baymax!
Baymax was introduced in Disney's superhero film Big Hero 6, which was enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Baymax is an inflatable healthcare robot developed by Tadashi Hamada. He takes his role as a healthcare companion to new heights in the animated series Baymax! In the series, he's free to roam the streets of San Fransokyo, so he aims to help anyone who is in need.
Baymax is determined to help and eager to be of assistance. This includes offering romantic advice, taking care of injuries, and helping with illnesses. Baymax! is a wholesome look into his life as he pursues his purpose and becomes an everyday hero. Given Big Hero 6's popularity, he has become an iconic robot.
5 BMO Is A Sweet Addition
Adventure Time
Adventure Time is a hugely popular fantasy series. The show follows Finn and Jake as they travel through the Land of Ooo and battle evil. They make many interesting and eccentric friends along the way, including a small robot named BMO.
Known for being both loyal and sweet, BMO is a well-liked supporting character in Adventure Time. He's overprotective of Finn and Jake and joins them on many adventures. In addition to being a lifelong friend, he serves many purposes, from acting as a living video game console to being a computer.
4 Voltron Is The Ultimate Defender Of The Universe
Voltron: Legendary Defender
There are many series that feature large robots as the main characters of their narratives. One of the most successful franchises to do this is Voltron, which tells a story about a robot of the same name. The original series from the '80s, Lion Force Voltron, was rebooted by the Netflix series, Voltron: Legendary Defender.
In the majority of installments, Voltron is used to combat the tyrannical Galra Empire. It's considered one of the greatest defenders of the universe, as five individual ships come together to form Voltron. The ships are shaped like lions and are piloted by their Paladins, making all of Voltron's successes a team effort.
3 Karen Was Created By Plankton
SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob SquarePants has been on the air since 1999, and one of its villains comes in the form of Plankton's computer wife, Karen. Plankton created Karen while he was young and before he turned into a villain. As co-owner of the Chum Bucket, she helps her husband run a business while competing with Mr. Krabs' restaurant, the Krusty Crab.
Additionally, Karen often contrives the evil schemes that Plankton carries out. As an overly intelligent partner who serves as the brains of their operations, she is one of the most important characters in SpongeBob SquarePants.
2 XJ-9 Tries At A Normal Life
My Life As A Teenage Robot
Created by the scientist Nora Wakeman in My Life as a Teenage Robot, XJ-9 tries her best to have a normal life. In the series, XJ-9 takes on the name Jenny Wakeman when she lives among humans. She wants to live like a regular teenager but is often caught up in saving the world. Although she is blinded by her desires at times, her strong sense of justice always wins.
When Jenny isn't saving the world, she spends time with her friends. Her hopes for a relationship and to be popular have given her a sense of relatability. Like many robot characters, she proves to have more emotion than she lets on, as she tries her best to fit in.
1 GIR Is The Chaotically Cute Companion Everyone Needs
Invader Zim
When the villainous Invader Zim is sent to infiltrate Earth, he is given a companion robot known as GIR. GIR's title is different from the standard S.I.R. units that invaders are given, and this is likely because Zim's superiors expect him to fail. Although GIR isn't always the most reliant partner, he stays loyal to Zim as Zim attempts to take over the planet.
Known for being both chaotic and cute, GIR is one of the most popular Invader Zim characters. While he may not be a good schemer, he is always there to provide comedic relief when the series gets grim. His unique design makes him the perfect face for the series.