From Isaac Asimov to Aimee Mann, ‘robophobia’ plagues humans

CINCINNATI — Robots are secretly plotting to kill us. Or enslave us. Or, at best, they will take our jobs, one by one.

From science fiction written by Isaac Asimov eight decades ago to “Dilbert” cartoons today, the relationship between robots and humans has long fascinated — and worried — people.

There’s even a term, “robophobia,” for an irrational anxiety about robots and other advanced automation machines.

And there are concerns beyond the ones stoked by watching too much “Terminator.”

Apple computer pioneer Steve Wozniak once suggested that robots would turn us into their pets.