Robo-vision

Portrayal of robovision from the movie Cyborg

Robo-vision refers to the visual perception of robots. Robots can be equipped to directly receive video, but interpretation is difficult. In fiction, the view from a robot or cyborg's eyes is often portrayed as markedly different from human beings some way, from seeing things in different colors or visual spectrum to a full Heads Up Display that details system function read-outs and targeting displays. They are usually equipped with HUDs that provide them with targeting and information. As a consequence, this is commonly used as a point-of-view shot for fictional combat robots as they attack or seek out targets. The effect can also be achieved with other devices. For instance, in the Predator series of films, the eponymous alien hunters use masks equipped with HUD's which allow them to see in multiple vision spectrum, including infrared.

In fiction

Westworld's robots saw in the infrared spectrum. This was accomplished using an at the time revolutionary computer effect. The 1973 film is widely acknowledged as the first to use such an effect.

Terminators have been portrayed with similar HUDs to assist in the recognition, acquisition and destruction of their targets. The T-800, the most primitive unit to be shown at any length to the viewer, can see only in infrared. Later units can also see in green, presumably as a form of night vision. Cameron can perceive those spectrums in addition to the normal spectrum visible to humans.

The Aprilbot in Buffy the Vampire Slayer was depicted as having a HUD listing her various files and programs with visual data in the center.

The Marionettes of the Saber Marionette series are shown to use integrated HUDs. In one scene, Lime utilizes an analyzer system which highlights a target's structural weakpoints, which she uses to disable Panther's arm.