The third part of AI no Idenshi deviates from its usual focus on humanoid artificial intelligence and instead sheds light on the lives of industrial robots. These AI beings, which bear a striking resemblance to humans, are primarily regarded as instruments of utility. The distinction between humanoids, who are treated as sentient beings with so-called "human rights," and robots, who are viewed as mere tools, is a central theme of the series.


The episode focuses on two specific robots: Joe, a "friendship robot" who fulfills the physical and emotional needs of his human, and Poppo, an animatronic teddy bear that serves as both a children's toy and a babysitter. Joe, with his numerous functions and constant readiness to serve, has lived with his owner for seven years. However, when she falls in love, Joe's existence in her life becomes an afterthought. Plagued by guilt, the owner decides to return Joe to his manufacturing company, with his memories preserved intact for potential future restoration.


Meanwhile, Poppo takes care of young Kenta, who cherishes the teddy bear with great affection. When Kenta's mother believes it is time for him to outgrow his attachment to the toy, a malfunction causes Poppo to be reset, reviving memories of his previous owner, Yuki. Despite his mother's resistance and the planned removal of Poppo during Kenta's school hours, Kenta's devotion to Poppo remains unwavering.


The themes addressed in this episode, while not offering new perspectives on the moral and ethical aspects of artificial intelligence, are crucial for understanding the interplay between humans and their AI counterparts. The episode ends with Joe's owner returning to him without restoring his former memories. As for Poppo, he eventually gains the mother's acceptance, as she acknowledges Poppo's "care" for Kenta, even if she does not fully comprehend its significance.