In Short Circuit, the military robot Number 5 adopts the name Johnny 5 after gaining consciousness.
Short Circuit follows an experimental military robot that is struck by lightning during a demonstration and develops apparent self-awareness. Originally identified only as S-A-I-N-T Number 5, the robot escapes from government personnel and begins learning about the human world. Stephanie Speck, played by Ally Sheedy, helps him understand language, books, friendship, and moral choice.
The robot chooses the name Johnny 5 after hearing the song “Who’s Johnny,” which was written for the film and performed by El DeBarge. The name distinguishes his emerging personality from the other S-A-I-N-T prototypes. His repeated insistence that he is alive is the central comic and ethical idea of the film.
Johnny 5 is a military machine with tank-like treads, articulated arms, and a distinctive pair of camera eyes. The sequel, Short Circuit 2, continues the character’s story, but the original film establishes both his consciousness and his adopted name. He is not the same character as WALL-E or any other domestic robot.