In Forbidden Planet, what is the name of the film’s robot servant?

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In Forbidden Planet, the film’s robot servant is named Robby the Robot.

Robby serves Dr. Morbius and his daughter Altaira on the planet Altair IV in the 1956 science-fiction film Forbidden Planet. He is an advanced mechanical servant with superhuman strength, a large vocabulary, and the ability to manufacture objects and materials. Robby’s programming includes a version of Isaac Asimov’s fictional law that prevents him from harming humans, a detail that becomes important during the story.

The character was designed by Robert Kinoshita and built for the film by MGM’s production team. Actor Frankie Darro supplied Robby’s performance, while Marvin Miller provided his speaking voice. Robby’s domed head, transparent chest components, and mechanical walking style made him an enduring visual symbol of classic Hollywood science fiction.

Robby is sometimes confused with Gort, the robot from The Day the Earth Stood Still. Gort is a silent guardian, whereas Robby is a talkative household assistant. Robby later appeared in other films and television programs, but Forbidden Planet is his defining screen appearance.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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