The Androids are some of the most unforgettable villains in Dragon Ball Z, and their story begins with one man: Dr. Gero. He was the lead scientist for the Red Ribbon Army, an evil organization that a young Goku completely dismantled. Dr. Gero held a grudge for decades and dedicated his life to creating the ultimate weapons for revenge. This personal vendetta is the sole reason the Androids exist, kicking off one of the most intense sagas in the series.
Dr. Gero’s plan started with earlier models, like the energy-absorbing Android 19 and himself as the cyborg Android 20. He designed these loyal, fully mechanical beings with a single purpose: find and eliminate Son Goku. Gero soon realized these artificial beings lacked the raw power and cunning to defeat an adult Saiyan, which led him to activate his most dangerous and unpredictable creations.
Then came the iconic Androids 17 and 18, a totally different kind of threat. They weren’t built from scratch. They were originally human teenagers, Lapis and Lazuli, who Dr. Gero kidnapped and experimented on. He converted them into cyborgs with immense power but made a critical mistake by letting them keep their free will. Their rebellious nature made them impossible to control, and they quickly turned on their creator to follow their own chaotic agenda.
Key Takeaways
The creation of the Androids was driven entirely by Dr. Gero’s personal vendetta against Goku for destroying the Red Ribbon Army years earlier.
Androids 17 and 18 were not built from scratch; they were originally human teenagers named Lapis and Lazuli who were kidnapped and forcibly turned into cyborgs.
Dr. Gero’s decision to let Androids 17 and 18 keep their free will was his biggest mistake, as their rebellious nature led them to kill him and ignore his mission.
Despite being built to kill Goku, the fully mechanical Android 16 was a gentle giant whose love for nature contrasted with his purpose.
Android 16’s destruction by Cell was the definitive catalyst that triggered Gohan’s transformation into a Super Saiyan 2.
The Androids evolved far beyond their original programming, with 17 and 18 undergoing a major redemption arc from villains to heroic allies of the Z-Fighters.
The Uncontrollable Twins: Android 17 and 18
Android 17 and 18 are easily Dr. Gero’s most iconic creations. What’s wild is that they weren’t built from scratch; they were originally human teenagers named Lapis and Lazuli. Dr. Gero kidnapped the twin siblings and turned them into powerful cyborgs with infinite energy. His biggest mistake was letting them keep their human consciousness and free will, a decision that ultimately sealed his fate.
Their rebellious teenage personalities made them completely uncontrollable. They had no interest in Gero’s vendetta against Goku and despised him for what he did to them. The first thing they did after being activated was kill their creator in a swift, shocking moment. Instead of conquering the world, their main goal was just to have fun, which for them meant causing chaos and finding Goku for a fight on their own terms.
The Gentle Giant: Android 16
Android 16 was a fully mechanical model, unlike the cyborg twins, built for the sole purpose of killing Goku. He was Dr. Gero’s secret weapon, a towering machine with immense power that was hidden away because Gero considered him a failure. Despite his terrifying directive, 16 was surprisingly gentle from the moment he was activated. I think this gentle giant’s kindness came from being modeled after Dr. Gero’s deceased son, which explains his reluctance to cause needless harm.
His peaceful nature showed in his deep love for animals and the natural world. Instead of seeking conflict, you’d often find him quietly observing birds and appreciating the planet he was programmed to disrupt. Android 16 only fought when it was necessary to protect his friends or the innocent life he had grown to cherish. He saw the value in Earth and its inhabitants, becoming a protector instead of the destroyer Gero intended.
Android 16’s destruction was a key moment that helped Gohan finally unleash his hidden potential. In his final moments, 16 gave a moving speech encouraging Gohan to let his anger go and fight for the world he loved. When Cell mercilessly crushed his head, that brutal act was the trigger Gohan needed to ascend to Super Saiyan 2. I believe 16’s sacrifice was the most important catalyst in the fight against Cell, proving his worth went far beyond his original mission.
Dr. Gero’s True Masterpiece: The Bio-Android Cell
Dr. Gero’s true ace-in-the-hole wasn’t an android he built by hand, but one he grew in a secret lab. This ultimate creation was Cell, a bio-android made from the DNA of the universe’s strongest fighters like Goku, Vegeta, and even Frieza. Gero’s supercomputer worked on this project for decades, making Cell the doctor’s most ambitious plan for revenge. He didn’t just have their power; he had their techniques, allowing him to use the Kamehameha and other signature moves. This genetic cocktail made him a terrifyingly intelligent threat from the moment we first see him hunting for victims (Dragon Ball Z episode 141, The Reunion).
What makes Cell so different is his primary directive: find and absorb Androids 17 and 18. Dr. Gero programmed him with the core belief that absorbing his siblings was the only way to unlock his full potential and reach his “Perfect” form. This single goal completely upends the entire saga, turning the rebellious 17 and 18 from villains into desperate targets. Suddenly, the Z-Fighters had a much bigger problem on their hands, an enemy that was actively hunting the other androids. Cell’s relentless pursuit of perfection cemented him as the true final boss of the arc.
Conclusion
The history of the androids is really the story of Dr. Gero’s obsession with revenge. His creations started as fully mechanical beings like Android 19, but he took a huge risk by turning human teenagers into Androids 17 and 18. Giving them free will created unpredictable weapons that turned on him and refused to follow his orders. This decision not only led to his own death but also allowed his ultimate creation, Cell, to emerge.
What makes the androids so memorable is how their roles evolved far beyond Dr. Gero’s intentions. Androids 17 and 18 went from terrifying villains to beloved members of the Z-Fighters. Their journey from antagonists in the Android Saga to crucial allies in Dragon Ball Super‘s Tournament of Power is one of the best character arcs in the franchise. It’s a great redemption story, proving that even characters built for destruction can find their own purpose and fight for good.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who created the Androids and why?
Dr. Gero, the former lead scientist for the Red Ribbon Army, created the Androids. His only motivation was revenge against Son Goku, who had dismantled the army years earlier. He dedicated his life to creating the ultimate weapons to finally defeat Goku.
2. Were Androids 17 and 18 always robots?
No, they were originally human teenagers. The twin siblings, named Lapis and Lazuli, were kidnapped by Dr. Gero and forcibly converted into powerful cyborgs.
3. What was Dr. Gero’s biggest mistake with Androids 17 and 18?
Dr. Gero’s biggest mistake was letting them keep their free will and human consciousness. Their rebellious nature made them impossible to control, and they quickly turned on him to follow their own agenda.
4. How were the earlier Androids different from 17 and 18?
Earlier models like Android 19 and Dr. Gero (as Android 20) were fully programmed and loyal. However, Gero found they lacked the power and cunning to defeat an adult Saiyan, so he activated the more dangerous and unpredictable Androids 17 and 18.
5. Who was Android 20?
Android 20 was Dr. Gero. He transferred his own brain into a cyborg body to continue his quest for revenge. His model was designed to absorb energy from his opponents.
6. What makes Androids 17 and 18 so powerful?
As cyborgs, they were given immense power and an infinite energy source. This means they never get tired in battle, making them incredibly persistent and dangerous opponents.
