The Original Robins (Earth One-1960's to 80's & Earth Two-1940's to 50's) had exactly the same origin. Dick Grayson was part of the "Flying Graysons" family acrobat team, who saw his parents fall to their death during their trapeze act; which was caused by a gangster extortionist's (Boss Zucco) sabotage. Billionaire Bruce Wayne (Batman) took Dick in as his legal ward. After revealing his identity as Batman to Dick, Bruce decided to give Dick the chance to avenge his parents' death, and become his crime-fighting partner. With additional training (along with his previous acrobatic skills), Dick Grayson became "Robin, the Boy Wonder"; complete with a mask, red & green costume, and yellow cape. Batman and Robin brought Zucco to justice. Robin continued to fight crime with Batman thereafter.
Dick Grayson, the Earth One Version became part of a young superhero group called the "Teen Titans" (with Kid Flash, Wonder Girl, Aqualad, and Speedy)' which he helped found. By the 1980's, after he'd graduated from college, Dick took on an independent superhero identity as "Nightwing"; which he has carried on to this day (except when he temporarily became Batman, when Bruce was thought to be dead, after "Final Crisis").
Dick Grayson, the Earth Two Version joined the"Justice Society of America", when he became an adult ("Justice League of America"#55), in the 1960's.His costume at that time somewhat resembled Batman's. Dick later went into semi-retirement until the 70's, when he re-joined the Justice Society along with Power Girl and the Star-Spangled Kid. At that time, he went back to a more adult version of the red, green, and yellow costume. Even after the death of Earth Two's Batman, Dick continued as Robin.
Now, let's travel back to Earth One!!!
Jason Todd was introduced in "Batman"#357 (1983). He was originally a red-head, who had a similar origin to that of the original Robin (acrobat parents killed by Killer Croc). He was adopted by Bruce Wayne, who as Batman, trained him to be a crime-fighter. He was given a "Robin" costume of his own by Dick Grayson. Jason's origin was changed after the "Crisis on Infinite Earths" mini-series. Now Jason was a young thief, who was caught and re-habilitated by Batman. Jason proved his crime-fighting worth and became the new Robin. But, he was a lot more cocky and reckless than Dick had been. Comic book readers didn't really like Jason as Robin. In 1988, DC Comics decided to allow the readers to vote about whether he would continue or be killed off. By a narrow margin, the readers decided Jason should die!!! The verdict was in! In a 4-issue mini-series, called "A Death in the Family", Jason met his end. He was beaten to a pulp by the Joker (who else?) and left to die in an explosion! Jason was later resurrected as a hard-core vigilante, called the Red Hood (which ironically was the Joker's role before he became the Joker), by reality being altered (although his resurrection was attributed to Ra's al Ghul's "Lazarus Pit" in the 2010 animated film "Batman: Under the Red Hood"). Jason even tried at one point to become Batman, after Bruce Wayne was supposedly killed, but he wanted to exterminate the criminals. He was defeated by Nightwing, Robin (Tim Drake, who tried to take Batman's place, himself.) and another soon-to-be Robin (Damian Wayne, Bruce's son). Jason returned to his identity as the Red Hood, until he was captured and arrested.
Tim Drake was introduced in "Batman"#436 (1989), as a boy who idolized Batman and the original Robin, as he watched them in action. Tim had also witnessed the death of Dick Grayson's parents, in earlier years. With great detecting skills, Tim eventually figured Batman and Nightwing's (the original Robin) identities. Batman took him under his wing and traned him to be the next Robin. He even got his own comic book series!!! Robin (Tim) was also part of the group "Young Justice", which he co-founded. He changed his superhero identity to "Red Robin" (with a new red & black costume), after he had grown up.
Damian Wayne was the son of Bruce Wayne (Batman) and Talia (daughter of Ra's al Ghul); although Bruce didn't know for years that he had a son. Talia eventually brought him to Bruce to care for. Damian had many bad tendancies to overcome, having been trained by his grandfather Ra's al Ghul's 'League of Assassins". Damian did come to respect and love his father (Bruce). After Batman's apparent death ("Final Crisis"), Damian was raised by Dick Grayson and Alfred (the Wayne's loyal butler). In the "Battle for the Cowl" series, Damian proved his worth as a crime-fighter (after helping battle Jason Todd), and became the new Robin; after Dick Grayson temporarily took on the mantle to become the next Batman. After Bruce Wayne returned (from supposed death) and became Batman again, Damian continued working with his father. Sadly, he was eventually killed while battling an older clone of himself.
There were also 2 female versions of Robin!
Carrie Kelley (Robin of the near future) took on the role in Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns" series. She became Robin by donning a Robin costume, and saving the middle-aged Batman's life, after a fierce battle with a mutant gang left him severely wounded. In gratitude, Batman made the 13 year old his new partner as Robin. In the sequel to "T.D.K.R.", "The Dark Knight Strikes Again"; Carrie was a little older and had taken on the role of "Catgirl"!
Stephanie Brown: After Tim Drake resigned, he helped his girlfriend to temporarily become the new Robin (she had already been a costumed heroine called "The Spoiler"). She didn't follow Batman's instructions very well, and was apparently killed by the Black Mask. Her death was later shown to be false! Stephanie returned to her identity as The Spoiler and eventually became the new "Batgirl".
Robin has been in countless cartoons, TV shows & specials, serials, and movies including-----
2 1940's Batman movie serials (Douglas Croft & Johnny Duncan both played the role of Robin).
"Batman" 1960's TV show & 70's "Legends of the Superheroes" special (both with Burt Ward as Robin).
Many different 60's & 70's cartoon series', including "Scooby Doo".
"Batman: The Animated Series" (90's)- With 2 versions of Robin portrayed, along with Nightwing (in last season).
"Teen Titans" (2000's).
Many "Warner Premiere" Animated Movies-With several versions of Robin; Nightwing appears in one.
Feature Film "Robins"-----"Batman" (1966, With Burt Ward as Robin / Dick Grayson).
"Batman Forever" & "Batman & Robin" (With Chris O'Donnell as Robin /
Dick Grayson).
Does Batman need a Robin? Yes, I believe he does! Batman does fine on his own as a solo act (no doubt), but having Robin by his side brings stability, extra caution, and a great sense of 'fatherhood' & comradery.
