There are robots as we usually know them; that is, machines, & there are biological artificial beings. I believe I saw a GIZMAG page about artificial synapses, which suggests that human-like artificial brains may become a reality. Other than that, Asimov says that robots' brains (presumably, the electronic type) are finite, & cannot do anything other than their programming allows. I do not know if others such as Rodney Brooks now think otherwise, but assuming it were possible, it might be a grave error.
Without a doubt, most humans will not welcome true thinking robots. Even if we disregard the many stories involving the FRANKENSTEIN COMPLEX, that is, the created being turns against its creator, why would we want the potential competition from another class, or race as it may be? FUTURAMA makes fun of it, but who wants a DON BOT running a robot mafia? If the robots develop their own religion-- forget it, I will avoid this one!
Scientists want to develop AI so that robots will be helpful to humans, but this is true of many things that have or could in theory, be abused. Asimov's POSITRONIC BRAIN was undoubtedly an analog computer, but with digital, could there be these directives that as Asimov puts it, with "that injunction [be kind to humans, etc: 3 LAWS] driven so deeply into its basic circuits that no conceivable derangement could displace it" (Caves of Steel, 1953, 1954, p. 64)? I really doubt it!
Even assuming that there would be robot brains made such that they could never rebel, never even think anything but submissive thoughts, every moving part would need individual protection against even accidentally harming a human! Arms, legs, etc; would all require extensive circuitry to ensure this.
There would be law suits galore!

I firmly believe that other than military robots, most would be small, slow-moving, and restricted to operating in their masters' homes, etc. They would likely be heavily padded so that even bumps of their elbows would cause no harm; they would need to immediately halt all motion in case they might knock someone over.
So, even if the technology is possible, the liabilities would make anyone think twice.

On the other hand, so-called bionic limbs may be well within reach of technology & practicality; but the liability of one's bionic arm going haywire & bonking the rich guy, who has lawyers at his beck & call--
