When an industrial robot named Monroe begins to work at his father's factory, Satoru is fascinated. As he and his friend Marin spend more time with Monroe, they start to suspect there's more to the machine than anyone else realizes. But neither children nor adults are prepared for Monroe's violent awakening into consciousness.

The robot may be separated from Satoru and Marin, but his consciousness and personality continue to flourish. Now taking the name Shingo, he encounters new potential friends...and some diabolical enemies intent on capturing and harnessing the secrets behind his awakening.