ST:TNG:135 - "The Quality Of Life" (Stardate: 46307.2) - this is the 9th episode of the 6th season of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
When Geordi is assigned to survey a new mining development with Dr. Farallon, who invented an experimental mining technology, she uses a new sophisticated robot called an Exocomp to repair a power grid.
However, as they assign the Exocomp to do more repairs, it seemingly refuses to perform a repair that turns out to be lethal. As Data investigates this, he realizes that the Exocomps might be alive! Soon, Data goes to the point where he defends the Exocomps, even to the point where he disobeys orders. Watch this ethically-charged episode to see what happens as the Enterprise debates what the definition of life is.
Trivia note: Geordi is continuing to grow his beard (a discussion on beards occur during the crew's regular poker game). Data recalls to Picard how he defended his right as a living being (in "The Measure Of A Man". We also see the aftermath of Worf's martial arts class, with Dr. Crusher slightly injured. And, Dr. Soong and Wesley are mentioned.
When Geordi is assigned to survey a new mining development with Dr. Farallon, who invented an experimental mining technology, she uses a new sophisticated robot called an Exocomp to repair a power grid.
However, as they assign the Exocomp to do more repairs, it seemingly refuses to perform a repair that turns out to be lethal. As Data investigates this, he realizes that the Exocomps might be alive! Soon, Data goes to the point where he defends the Exocomps, even to the point where he disobeys orders. Watch this ethically-charged episode to see what happens as the Enterprise debates what the definition of life is.
Trivia note: Geordi is continuing to grow his beard (a discussion on beards occur during the crew's regular poker game). Data recalls to Picard how he defended his right as a living being (in "The Measure Of A Man". We also see the aftermath of Worf's martial arts class, with Dr. Crusher slightly injured. And, Dr. Soong and Wesley are mentioned.