ArtooDetoo.Com's Nomination of R2-D2 to the Carnegie Mellon Computer Science Robot Hall of Fame
Dr. James Morris, Dean
Mr. Arthur C. Clarke, Judge
Mr. Rodney Brooks, Judge
Ms. Minoura Asada, Judge
RE: Nomination of R2-D2 to the Carnegie Mellon Computer Science Robot Hall of Fame
Dear Madam and Sirs;
I would like to respectfully submit the nomination of astromech droid R2-D2 as a candidate for induction into CMU’s Robot Hall of Fame.
It is fitting that R2-D2 should be among the first inductees to the Hall of fame. R2-D2 is the epitome of dedication to duty and loyalty to his master. His valiant behavior has been chronicled countless times in the popular epic Star Wars.
Examples of his dedication to duty include, but are not limited
to:
• He successfully restored power to the shields of the Queen’s starship
as it tried to escape the blockade surrounding Naboo. He did so at the risk
of his own demise in order to save the ship and queen.
• He helped young Anakin Skywalker pilot a Naboo Starfighter to destroy
the Trade Federation Command ship, thus allowing the Gungan army to defeat the
daunting Federation ground forces.
• He braved the wastes of the Tatooine Dune Sea, the treachery of the
Jawas and the Sand People to deliver a message of vital strategic importance
from Princess Leia Organa to Obi-Wan Kenobe.
• Under heavy concentrated fire, he increased power to the engines of
Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing fighter during an attack run on the Imperial Death
Star, thus ensuring its total destruction.
As to Loyalty, R2-D2 has always conducted himself in a fashion
most admirable, honorable and above reproach. For example:
• R2-D2 rushed to save Queen Amidala from certain destruction in the Genosian
droid factory, disregarding any personal risk.
• He infiltrated the computer system of the Imperial Death Star to locate
the captive Princess Leia.
• He again infiltrated the Imperial Death Star computer system to stop
the trash compactor, thereby saving the lives of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess
Leia, and Chewbacca.
• Under withering fire from Imperial forces on Endor, he concentrated
on the task of unlocking the door to an Imperial bunker that allow rebel forces
to shut down a force field protecting a second Death Star.
• He braved the severe elements of the Hoth night to use his sensors to
search for a lost Luke Skywalker.
These examples alone are stunning testimony to R2-D2’s fierce loyalty and unwavering attention to duty. By themselves, they are commendation enough, but they are only a partial list of his outstanding accomplishments.
R2-D2 has sparked interest in robotics in the young and old on a world-wide scale. His name has become a common reference. He has inspired a builder’s club with a world-wide membership, bringing people from all walks of life together in a forum where they discuss how to build replica R2-D2 droids and share information and experience. He has brought people together in the spirit of teamwork and common goals. He is the focus of innumerable internet web sites that are visited by untold scores. He is a hero and inspiration to many. No other robot has had the effect or made the impression that R2-D2 has.
It is for these reasons that I take great pleasure in the opportunity to nominate R2-D2. I emphatically urge you to select R2-D2, Astromech extraordinaire, to be among the first inductees to the Carnegie Mellon Robot Hall of Fame.
Respectfully submitted,