another 'looking for a book title'

[WaylanderToo]

I seem to recall reading a story about sentient robots living among us in disguise whose aim was to protect us from ourselves. When they revealed themselves they were shiny, black and metallic and they took over the world banning anything that was remotely dangerous or had a risk factor.

Those who couldn't adjust were humanely 'lobotomised' - people tried to fight back and eventually for these people an outlet was found as some sort of interstellar explorers.

Does this ring any bells?

 

[TheDustyZebra]

and they took over the world banning anything that was remotely dangerous or had a risk factor

So that's what happened. I've been wondering.

 

[JunkMonkey]

Could it be The Monitors by Keith Laumer?

 

[WaylanderToo]

Could it be The Monitors by Keith Laumer?

thanks for that - could well be, I'll be giving that a try soon

 

[Cat's Cradle]

This sounds very similar to Jack Williamson's The Humanoids, and its sequel The Humanoid Touch. Take a peak at Wikipedia, and see what you think.

 

[WaylanderToo]

another good shout there - looks like I've got two books to find