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Synopsis

After losing his only son in a traffic accident, Dr. Umatarou Tenma, head of the Ministry of Science, directs his team to build Atom: an advanced robot fashioned exactly like his deceased child. Atom combines superior strength and intellect with the gentle curiosity and playfulness of a young boy. When Tenma realizes the artificial boy cannot replace the human child he mourns, he rejects the creation and disposes of it by selling Atom to a traveling robot circus where performers are treated as expendable. Despite abandonment and harsh treatment, Atom responds with empathy, protecting fellow robots and humans during danger. Dr. Ochanomizu, an advocate against robot mistreatment, rescues Atom and offers guidance. Given a chance to live within a society of humans and machines, Atom seeks to understand the world’s moral complexity while striving to promote safety and harmony.