The plot is based on the 1964 book The Giving Tree, and the main character is named after its author Shel Silverstein.

The film's robots were created by Alterian, Inc., a Los Angeles–based effects company notable for their costume design for Daft Punk.

Sheldon (Andrew Garfield) is a gray robot with a head shaped like an old PC tower.

Francesca stops at a mall and she, and Sheldon, walk off together while she sticks pieces of paper on an "Exit" sign and a palm tree.

Sheldon repairs her knee with his built-in toolkit, and they listen to "There Are Many of Us" by ASKA & The Lost Trees on her car radio.