The question "How did 18 become human?" is slightly misleading. Android 18, like her twin brother Android 17, was born human. They were not created as robots, but rather they were human beings who were enhanced by Dr. Gero with cybernetic implants and enhancements.
Understanding Android 18's Origin
Here's a breakdown of Android 18's true origin:
- Born Human: Android 18 and Android 17 were originally human beings, whose names were Lazuli and Lapis respectively.
- Cyborg Modifications: Dr. Gero captured them and transformed them into cyborgs. This means they were once human but now have mechanical components.
- Not Fully Robotic: This distinction is important. They are not androids like Android 16 and 19, who were created as fully artificial beings.
- Shenron's Limitations: As referenced, Shenron, the dragon, could not make them completely human. Shenron was only able to remove their self-destruct devices. This underscores their cyborg nature; they were human enhanced, not creations.
Key Differences Between Android Types
To better understand the term "cyborg," here's a quick comparison:
| Category | Nature | Origin | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android | Fully Artificial | Created as robots/artificial life forms | Android 16 and 19 |
| Cyborg | Enhanced Human | Humans enhanced with mechanical parts | Android 17 and 18 |
Summary of Android 18's Humanity
Android 18 did not become human; she was human to begin with. Dr. Gero's modifications transformed her into a cyborg, retaining some human biology and integrating cybernetic enhancements. The question might be misconstrued as if 18 went from being a machine to a human. However, she always had a human component and Dr. Gero enhanced it.
