Summary

In the beginning of “Compassion Circuit” by John Wyndham we are introduced to Janet, who is in the hospital because she has grown sick and weak. The doctor believes that Janet’s condition grew worse because the family did not have a household robot that could do the chores for her. He therefore advises George, her husband, to buy a robot suitable for his wife’s needs. Janet used to be strongly against the idea of a robot in the house, but her encounter with an advanced robotic nurse at the hospital changes her mind. 

Janet therefore agrees that they should get a robot, but she has specific demands when it comes to its design: she wants it to be a blonde woman, to be dressed like a housemaid, and to look pleasant but not beautiful. Even though the robot recommended by the doctor is very expensive, Janet and George eventually receive the robot and switch it on. The robot is equipped with a compassion-circuit, a feature that allows it to ponder whether a decision is beneficial or not for the people it serves.  

In the following months, Janet and the robot – whom she named Hester – become inseparable. Janet gets weaker – both physically and mentally – but Hester is always there to take care of her and tend to the house. ...