In Short Circuit, the official designation of the military robot that becomes self-aware is Number 5.
Number 5 is one of several prototype military robots developed by NOVA Robotics. After lightning strikes the machine, an electrical surge alters its programming and appears to give it independent consciousness. Number 5 then escapes the laboratory, explores the outside world, and gradually develops curiosity, humor, and a strong desire to avoid being returned to military service.
The robot later adopts the nickname “Johnny 5,” but that is not its original official designation. The distinction matters because the film’s title character is introduced as a numbered prototype before creating a more personal identity for himself.
Short Circuit was released in 1986 and stars Ally Sheedy and Steve Guttenberg. Its story combines science-fiction ideas about artificial intelligence with a family-friendly comedy about military technology learning empathy and individuality.