Ever since we first used the word back in 1920, we humans have been obsessed with robots and their potential to simulate human life. Just look around you and you'll see hundreds of TV shows and films – from Channel 4's Humans to I, Robot – tackling the idea of robots that might just, one day, be like us (or better). It's a scary thought.

Our fascination with robots is as much about humanity as it is about technology. Who are we, what are we like, where are we from. The Science Museum’s new Robots exhibition explores this very human obsession to re-create ourselves, revealing the remarkable 500-year story of humanoid robots.

Click here to see our gallery of the exhibition's highlights

Over 100 humanoid robots have arrived at The Science Museum for their big blockbuster exhibition. There's a 16th-century mechanical monk, sci-fi cyborgs and modern-day research lab automatons. Visitors discover the cultural, historical and technological context of humanoid robots and explore how the history of robotic development has been shaped by religious belief and industrial revolution, 20th century popular culture and dreams about the future.

Meet an articulated iron mannequins from the 1500s, Cyan, a giant 1950s Italian robot and introduce yourself to some of the 12 working robots on display. Highlights also include the animatronic baby, that wriggles and squirms as visitors enter the exhibition and an iCub from Italy, which is the very last robot on display, created by a group of European researchers and boasts eyes that move, hands that poke and grasp, and a brain that learns.

In this amazing exhibition space, the history of our fascination with humanoid robots brings science fiction to life. Tremble in awe and fear at the possibility of autonomous robots that can think, learn and possibly even love, without us, and discover what life might be like if we shared it with robots for the future.

It's unfortunate that there isn't more opportunity for interactions with the robots, and don't expect to learn much about artificial technology. That said, prepare to be pushed to the edges of your intellectual and emotional boundaries by this exhibition.

Suitable for ages 10+