The concept of machine rule is a common theme in science fiction stories and film, in which an artificially created lifeform takes over the naturally evolved beings that created them.
In cases where this takeover is hostile, it may be called a cybernetic revolt, but it may occur peacefully, with humans deciding that machines, such as androids, robots or sentient computers, would provide a better lifestyle for humanity. As a theme, it may reflect a fear of the autonomy of a machine that can run itself, eventually rendering its creators obsolete, or a fear of one's creations running out of control, becoming the new masters (see cybernetic revolt for a more in-depth discussion).