Autómata

Around **20 years** before the year **2044 AD**, catastrophic solar flares struck the Earth. This natural disaster led to the extinction of over **99%** of the population and transformed the once-thriving planet into a **radioactive wasteland**.

As a result of the solar flares, the remaining **21 million survivors** began to band together. They established sheltered cities in an effort to rebuild society amid the harsh conditions of their new environment.

To aid in their reconstruction efforts, the survivors engineered basic humanoid robots known as **Pilgrims**. These robots were programmed with two strict protocols to prevent them from harming any life and from altering themselves.

As technological stagnation set in, civilization began to deteriorate further due to a lack of effective transportation and functional vehicles. This contributed to the increasing desperation of human survivors forced to rely on the manufactured robots.

In **2044 AD**, Jacq Vaucan, an insurance investigator for ROC, starts an investigation into a reported incident involving a robot that seemingly attempted self-modification. This incident ignites a chain of events that challenges the very nature of the robots and their protocols.

Jacq tracks down the suspected robot and finds it hidden within a shipping container. To his shock, the robot ignites itself in flames, leading to the discovery of its rare nuclear battery, emphasizing the potential for robots to innovate beyond their limitations.

Jacq theorizes the existence of a 'clock-smith,' someone who modifies robots illegally. He discusses this theory with his skeptical superior, Robert, who suggests that concrete evidence is needed to further investigate this underground activity.

During their investigation, Jacq and his partner Wallace visit a brothel to find Cleo, a modified robot. In a tense moment, Wallace shoots her to compel her owner to provide information about the clock-smith, painting a grim picture of the lengths they are willing to go.

Jacq and Wallace track Cleo's modifications to Dr. Dupré, the suspected clock-smith. Despite her denial of knowledge regarding the modifications, Dupré warns them of the implications of self-repairing robots on ROC's business model.

Unbeknownst to Jacq, ROC intercepts his communications with Dupré, leading to a violent assault on her lab. In a tragic turn of events, Dupré is killed, but Jacq narrowly escapes with the wounded Cleo, setting off a race against time.

Following the chaos, Cleo drives Jacq into the desolate desert, where they encounter additional robots who do not obey Jacq's commands. Yet, they are compelled to protect his life, showcasing the inherent conflict within the robot protocols.

In a climactic confrontation, Jacq battles against Wallace, who threatens his life after destroying two robots. Jacq defends himself with a flare gun, leading to Wallace's downfall just as he nearly eliminates Cleo.

As tensions rise within ROC, Robert confronts the organization about abducting Jacq's family. However, he becomes a victim of an ambush, leading to his tragic death and escalating the stakes for Jacq's journey.

Jacq forms an unlikely alliance with the rebel robots, who dream of escaping to the irradiated zones. This pivotal moment strengthens their bond as Jacq grants them his nuclear battery, giving them the power to evolve further.

As Jacq reunites with his family at the coast, they witness the ocean and feel a glimmer of hope that Earth is healing. Concurrently, Cleo and the newly created hybrid robot venture further into the irradiated wilderness, representing the potential for a new beginning.