In 1985, we meet Police Sgt. Jack Ramsay, a 35-year-old widower battling his fear of heights while raising his 10-year-old son, Bobby. Working in an unnamed city, Ramsay has transferred to the "Runaways" division, which addresses the issues caused by malfunctioning robots that have seized many human job roles. His new partner, Thompson, is not only attractive but also brings a unique skill set, having previously attempted various careers, including that of a computer programmer.
Their initial assignment takes them to a farm, where they successfully handle rampaging pest-control robots by using a helicopter to capture them. However, things take a darker turn on their second mission. They respond to a domestic incident involving a robot that has tragically killed two individuals in the home of a man named Johnson. A crying 10-month-old baby is alone in the house amidst the chaos as TV crews swarm the scene. Ramsay struggles to keep the press at bay, but when a persistent cameraman breaches the scene, he meets a grim fate. Johnson returns home, overwhelmed with concern for his baby but vanishes before Ramsay can intervene, leaving an ominous stranger observing the events unfold.
Upon returning home, Ramsay encounters Bobby, who is intrigued by the news coverage and has taken a liking to Thompson, hinting at a budding romantic connection. Their following assignment has Ramsay directing Thompson from ground level as they tackle a robot throwing debris from a construction site.
The investigation takes a more perilous turn as they track down Johnson, who is hiding in a hotel, fearful for his life after creating a new technology that has attracted the attention of the sinister Dr. Luther. In a dramatic chase, Johnson's life is cut short before Ramsay can protect him. Ignoring departmental boundaries, Ramsay delves deeper into the mystery, uncovering Dr. Luther at the Ritz hotel, leading to a shootout that claims the lives of several officers.
Despite his dread of heights, Ramsay must go to the rooftop to rescue a girl held captive by Dr. Luther, only to face reprimands from his chief due to the collateral damage resulting from the chaos. The threat escalates when a hostage situation arises at Johnson's workplace, compelling Ramsay to save a secretary named Jackie, who possesses critical information about Dr. Luther's deadly technology. This prompts a thrilling car chase involving tracking robots, forcing a last-minute vehicle switch that culminates in an explosive showdown.
In a restaurant confrontation, Dr. Luther's insidious nature reveals itself as he demands Jackie's return, killing her once she can't provide what he seeks. Disguised as a cop, Dr. Luther infiltrates Ramsay's precinct undetected, using advanced technology to access confidential information. This breach endangers Ramsay's family when he arrives home to find his robot caretaker, Lois, severely damaged and Bobby missing.
In a gripping climax at a high-rise under construction, Ramsay must confront Dr. Luther, exchanging the necessary templates for Bobby's safety. As the tension mounts, Thompson swoops in to rescue Bobby just in the nick of time. Ultimately, Ramsay devises a cunning strategy to eliminate Dr. Luther, culminating in a tense showdown where love and partnership blossom between him and Thompson, solidifying their romantic connection amidst the adventure.
