A good deal of Anime storylines have their own version of the legendary Terminator, often combining man and machine in their colorful character creations. By definition, an android is a mechanical automaton with humanoid characteristics, whereas a cyborg is a human that has been enhanced by machinery.
Technically, androids and cyborgs are not the same things, although these terms are generally used interchangeably. Disregarding this formality, many mechanical-human hybrids have been created to push humanity's boundaries, and here are some of Anime's most popular male cyborgs and androids from both sides of the moral compass.
Reg: Made in Abyss
Without an origin story, Reg from Made in Abyss has no memories prior to his first encounter with Riko, who found the robotic boy deep within the Abode of Fossils, almost 200m below ground. Presumed to have emerged from the base of the Abyss, Reg eventually travels back down through the levels, slowly regaining portions of his memory along the way.
His small size is in no way a reflection of his strength, as Reg is equipped with a powerful Incinerator, which causes anything it touches to completely fade from existence - supposedly transporting it into the depths of the Abyss itself. Although the adorable robot is quite humanoid, he is often treated like a dog (even having been named after one), which indicates that androids are seen as inferior beings.
Cell: Dragon Ball Z
Out of all of Dr. Gero's inventions, Cell was considered to be his greatest success in Dragon Ball Z. This android was created to include the genetic structures of a selection of powerful fighters, including Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Frieza, and King Cold, gaining their abilities in the process. As an evolutionary being, Cell goes through an insect-like metamorphosis, and, in order to complete the transformation and become the "Perfect Warrior", he first needs to absorb Android 17 and 18.
Interestingly, Cell was the only Dragon Ball villain not set on the complete destruction of Earth, and instead organized a martial arts Tournament to prove himself the strongest being alive. However, Cell's plans backfire when Gohan earns the victor's spot, and he subsequently swore to destroy the entire Universe instead.
Afro-Droid: Afro Samurai
Afro-Droid is the mechanical clone of Afro and is an early antagonist of this original Shonen Anime created by Samuel L. Jackson, Takashi Okazaki, and Gonzo. Afro-Droid is a partially sentient android, invented by Dharman for the Empty Seven Clan to destroy his counterpart, the formidable Afro Samurai.
Not only do the two appear to be identical, but the robot also possesses combat data that was extracted directly from the mind of Afro by Okiku, giving him the capabilities of matching and surpassing the Samurai's fighting style. Unfortunately for Afro-Droid, he is not successful in his quest for destruction and is put out of commission in episode 3, when Afro annihilated the android's memory chip, preventing any kind of mechanical resurrection.
Hercules Tres Iqus: Trinity Blood
More machine than man, Hercules Tres Iqus is almost entirely robotic with his brain and brainstem being his only human components. Tres Iqus forms part of a set of ten Killing Dolls, originally designed by Professor Gepetto Garibaldi to become the next Holy Knights. However, the church accused the Professor of "playing God" and Nine cyborgs were subsequently destroyed. Tres Iqus was the sole survivor, but was fortunately given the chance to prove his loyalties to the Vatican's Ministry of Holy Affairs.
With the codename Gunslinger, the cyborg could easily pass as organic because he is covered with human-like skin, even possessing a system of veins carrying blood around his body. After his ownership was claimed by Cardinal Caterina Sforza (who has a volatile reputation within the Vatican), Tres Iqus becomes loyal to her cause, which seeks to destroy the Rosencreuz Orden.
Shiki Granbell: Edens Zero
Another protagonist with an unclear origin story, Shiki Granbell was found as a young child by the mighty Demon King, who subsequently raised him as his own grandchild. Somehow, Shiki inherited the ability to use Satan Gravity, which grants him the power to manipulate gravity.
As the leader of the Edens Zero Crew, Shiki sets out to find Mother, the Goddess of the Cosmos, who will allegedly gift those who find her with immortality and the fulfillment of a wish. Before his search for Mother begins, Shiki must first reunite the Four Shining Stars, with the help of Rebecca Bluegarden, a B-Cuber who also possesses Ether Gear capabilities, and Happy, her robot-kitty sidekick.
But Isn't Shiki Human...?
Shiki Granbell's inclusion in this category is debatable because he is technically a human utilizing a machine, which does not automatically make him a cyborg. However, if one considers the fact that Ether Gear can only be used by select individuals with a genetic structure that allows compatibility with the mechanics of Ether Gear, seeing Shiki as a cyborg does not seem that far off. Delving deeper into the mechanics of Ether Gear itself, it is important to note that the Gear does not create Ether, but rather makes use of the Ether within its user - effectively linking and combining man and machine.
There are also many rumors suggesting that Shiki may have been created by the Demon King, who is a robot himself - thus solidifying Shiki's cyborg connection. For a human being to literally inherit a trait from their robotic, 'adoptive' grandfather is not, well, normal. Another fan-favorite theory suggests that Shiki is a direct descendant of Mother who, by all appearances, seems to be an android herself. He also seems to possess almost super-human strength, durability, and fighting skills (even without the Ether Gear), implying that Shiki's body may not be completely organic after all.