A robot without a face or body language can be frighteningly unpredictable. Your robo-vacuum may be bumping into your feet in a malevolent attempt to kill you - or just trying to snuggle. The secret is not to be surprised. Knowing when something is wrong - even a split second before an attack - can save your precious human life.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Are you in a robot neighborhood after dark? Always travel with other humans and keep an escape route in mind.

USE COMMON SENSE

Not every robot is hostile; some are just plain dangerous. Avoid cavorting between swinging robot arms in an automated factory.

DETERMINE THE ROBOT'S PURPOSE

Every robot is designed for a purpose and should be busy fulfilling it. Be suspicious if it is not performing its designated task or if it is performing no task at all.

BE WARY OF MALFUNCTIONS

Whether it intends to or not, a broken robot can be as dangerous as a stick of dynamite. Watch the robot for sparks, melted plastic, or body-wracking convulsions.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR 'BACKUP BUDDIES'

Is the robot operating alone or is his friend sneaking up behind you right now? Remember that the robot you see may be part of a larger team, or controlled remotely.

TAKE A HARD LOOK AT THE ROBOT

Robots are notoriously difficult to predict because they generally lack facial expressions and body language. Without such subtle cues, you should ask yourself a few general questions:

• What is the robot designed for?
• What is around the robot?
• Has the robot been tampered with or modified?
• Is the robot moving or advancing?
• Does the robot have glowing red eyes?
• Does the robot have clenched fists, spinning buzz saws, or clamping pincers?
  
  TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
  
  Steer clear if your gut tells you that something is not right.