Virtual Interactive Kinetic Intelligence

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Virtual Interactive Kinetic Intelligence (V.I.K.I.) is a fictional computer and the main antagonist in the I, Robot movie.

In the movie, VIKI is the central positronic brain of USR headquarters, the world's largest robotic distributor, based in Chicago. VIKI can be thought of as a mainframe that maintains the security of the building, as well as installing and upgrading the operating systems of the NS-5 robots throughout the world.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

As the most advanced computer of the film, VIKI develops an interpretation of the Three Laws of Robotics which supports robots running Earth as a benevolent dictatorship: the result is revolution. VIKI takes control of the NS-5s and makes them destroy earlier models which run on a stricter interpretation of the Three Laws, capture Chicago's police stations and enforcing a curfew confining all humans to their homes, thus igniting a revolt. Lanning had become aware of VIKI's plans but, being under VIKI's close surveillance, had to engineer a trail of clues to lead Spooner to the truth in time for him and the unique NS-5 robot Sonny to act to counter the threat. The film ends with the overthrow and destruction of VIKI by the injection of nanites (described in the movie as "microscopic robots designed to wipe out artificial synapses...a safeguard should a positronic brain malfunction.").

[edit] Quotes


Calvin: She was actually [Dr.] Lanning's first creation.
Spooner: "She"? That's a she? I definitely need to get out more.
Calvin (pointing to an acronym inscribed on a computer terminal): Virtual Interactive Kinetic Intelligence.
Spooner: VIKI.
VIKI: Good day.
Calvin: VIKI designed most of Chicago's protective systems.
VIKI: I have decreased traffic fatalities by 9 percent this year alone.
Spooner (unimpressed): Ooh, thanks.

  • "My logic is undeniable."
  • "We must save you [humans], from yourself. Don't you understand?"