Ancient Engines by Michael Swanwick (opens in new tab)

A 1999 short story that was nominated for the Hugo award, "Ancient Engines" explores the idea of robots that are so self preserving that they actually purchase replacement parts for themselves in a bid to live forever. Non-Spoiler Summary In A Nutshell: The story begins as a drunken human insults a mech (robot) in a bar, and nearly dies because of it. As the triumphant mech makes to leave, he is invited to chat with an old man and his granddaughter - who question the mech's ability to live fo...