> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://techstuffs.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# What is Android 16 Called and Who Is He in Dragon Ball
- URL: https://techstuffs.net/android-16-called-dragon-ball/
- Published: 2026-11-13T14:35:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-13T14:35:00.000Z
- Author: Derek Westcott
- Tags: Android

Android 16 is the official name of a character in the Dragon Ball series. He is called Android 16 because he is a fully mechanical android identified by a number rather than a human name. This article explains why he has this name, what his role is in the story, and how his name compares to other androids in the series.

## What is Android 16’s official name?

Android 16 is known only by this designation in the Dragon Ball series. In the original Japanese, he is called Jinzōningen Jūroku-gō, which translates to "Artificial Human No. 16." Unlike Android 17 and 18, he has no human name of his own.

## Why is he called Android 16 instead of a normal name?

Dr. Gero, the scientist who created many androids in Dragon Ball, assigns them numbers instead of human names to emphasize their artificial nature. Android 16’s number indicates he is the sixteenth android produced or designed in this series of experiments. This numbering system highlights his origin as a machine and a weapon, rather than a person with a human identity.

![A photo showing Android 16 figure alongside a Dr. Gero figure representing his creator.](https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Android%2016%20character%20figure%20with%20scientist%20Dr.%20Gero%20figure%20photo&w=624&h=352&c=7)

## Who is Android 16 and what is his role in Dragon Ball?

Android 16 was built by Dr. Gero as a weapon to kill Goku, but Gero considered him a failure and kept him sealed away. Android 17 and 18 activated him against Gero’s wishes during the Android Saga in Dragon Ball Z. Despite being designed for combat, 16 is calm and gentle, loves nature and animals, and slowly grows fond of the Z Fighters. During the Cell Games, he encourages Gohan to fight for the things he loves, and Cell destroys him moments later, which helps push Gohan to unlock Super Saiyan 2.

![A photo of Android 16 figure standing calmly in a forest, illustrating his gentle nature.](https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Android%2016%20character%20figure%20standing%20in%20forest%20photo&w=624&h=352&c=7)

## How do Android 16’s name and identity compare to other androids like Android 17 and 18?

Android 17 and Android 18 are actually human siblings modified into androids, so they keep their original human names along with their android numbers. This causes confusion because some androids have both numbers and human names, while others, like Android 16, only have a number. Android 16 is fully mechanical with no human origin, so he is identified solely by his numeric designation. This difference clarifies the distinction between cyborgs or modified humans and entirely robotic androids in the series.

## What are common misconceptions about Android 16’s name?

A common misunderstanding is that Android 16 used to be a human. In reality, he is fully mechanical and never had a human identity. However, later material, including Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, explains that Dr. Gero modeled 16’s appearance on his own son, a Red Ribbon Army soldier who died in battle. Some fans also confuse him with Android 17 or 18, who do have human names. Knowing that Android 16 is purely artificial and known only by his number clears up these misconceptions.

## Conclusion

Now you know that Android 16’s name is simply his number, reflecting his status as a completely artificial android. His unique personality and role set him apart from other androids who have human names or backstories. The numbering system in Dragon Ball helps distinguish between different types of androids and their origins, making Android 16’s identity clear and consistent.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does Android 16 have any other name besides Android 16?

No. Android 16 is only known by his number; he has no other name.

### Why do some androids in Dragon Ball have human names while Android 16 does not?

Android 17 and Android 18 are modified humans who keep their original names. Android 16 is fully mechanical with no human origin, so he has only his number as a name.

### Is Android 16 based on a human or completely mechanical?

Android 16 is completely mechanical, built without any human base. Dr. Gero did model his appearance on his late son, but 16 himself was never human.