In the twenty-first century the creation of the positronic brain leads to the development of robot laborers and revolutionizes life on Earth.

Andrew's initial experiences with the Martin family are replete with awkward moments which demonstrate his lack of socialization.

However, he is much better with inanimate objects and animals and begins to display sentient characteristics (such as creativity; emotion; self-awareness) traditionally the province of humans.

He is taken off his mundane household duties, for which he was intended, and allowed to pursue his creativity, making a fortune by selling his creations.

This story is set within Asimov's Foundation universe, which also includes his earlier Susan Calvin positronic robot tales.