"Robot Carnival" is an anthology film composed of nine distinct segments, each created by different directors and animators, unified by the central theme of robots and their interactions with humanity. The segments vary widely in tone, style, and narrative, offering a diverse exploration of the relationship between humans and machines.

The film opens with a prologue, "Opening," depicting a desolate wasteland where a massive, ancient robotic carnival emerges from the sands, setting the stage for the anthology. The first segment, "Franken's Gears," follows a mad scientist who creates a robotic servant. The creation rebels, leading to chaos and destruction, reflecting themes of hubris and the unintended consequences of technological ambition.

"Deprive" shifts to a futuristic city where a young girl is pursued by robotic enforcers. She discovers she is a key to humanity's survival, blending action with a narrative about identity and resistance against oppressive systems. "Presence" is a more introspective segment, focusing on a man who builds a lifelike female robot to escape his loneliness. The story delves into themes of obsession, artificial intelligence, and the blurred lines between humanity and machinery.

"Star Light Angel" features two teenage girls who encounter a mysterious robot in an amusement park. The segment combines elements of romance and fantasy, exploring youthful curiosity and the allure of the unknown. "Cloud" is a surreal, dialogue-free segment where a floating robotic city drifts above the clouds, evoking a sense of wonder and isolation.

"A Tale of Two Robots" is a comedic and action-packed segment set in 19th-century Japan. It portrays a battle between two giant robots, one controlled by a foreign inventor and the other by a local samurai, blending historical elements with futuristic technology. "Nightmare" is a darker segment, depicting a city overrun by malfunctioning robots, with a lone survivor reflecting on humanity's downfall.

"Strange Tales of Meiji Machine Culture: Westerner's Invasion" revisits 19th-century Japan, this time focusing on a clash between traditional Japanese culture and Western technological influence, symbolized by a giant steam-powered robot. The final segment, "Ending," mirrors the prologue, showing the robotic carnival collapsing back into the sands, suggesting the cyclical nature of technological rise and fall.

Each segment in "Robot Carnival" stands alone, offering unique perspectives on the central theme of robots and their impact on humanity. The anthology format allows for a wide range of storytelling approaches, from action and comedy to introspection and surrealism, making it a multifaceted exploration of the human-robot dynamic.