In the recent movie “Robots,” Rodney, an eager robot with inventive dreams, shared his motto, “See a need, fill a need.” It’s a saying that struck Napa resident Melanie Oberting.

Dances with machines -- The quest for an artificial creature -- Planetary ambassadors -- It's 2001 already -- Machines to live with -- Where am I? -- We are special -- We are not special -- Them and ...