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robotics

American  
[roh-bot-iks] / roʊˈbɒt ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)
  • robotics
    plural
  1. the use of computer-controlled robots to perform manual tasks, especially on an assembly line.


robotics British  
/ rəʊˈbɒtɪks /

noun

  1. the science or technology of designing, building, and using robots

  2. another name for robot dancing

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms


Etymology

Origin of robotics

1941; robot + -ics; coined by Isaac Asimov


Explanation

Robotics is the study of robots, or machines that are designed to do certain jobs. If you're fascinated with robots, you might want to study robotics in college. Robotics, the branch of science that studies the technology and uses of robots, involves various kinds of engineering and computer programming. While a robot is defined as a machine that can be programmed to do a job, many people interested in robotics (especially science fiction fans) think of them as a mechanical replacement for a human. Robotics comes from robot, from the Czech robotiti, "work or drudge."

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Vocabulary lists containing robotics

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Productivity is already improving, and AI may lead to breakthroughs in medicine, materials science, robotics and other areas as well.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 13, 2026

The speakers include "more than 50 superstars from China's leading AI labs, robotics startups, car manufacturers, quantum computing startups, energy startups and more," Cosgrave said.

From Barron's ● Nov. 10, 2026

The duo were developed through his robotics company, Cobot, with help from friends and some electronic components imported from abroad.

From Barron's ● Nov. 8, 2026

The end of the Cybertruck underscores Tesla’s shift away from its core autos business to focus on autonomy and robotics.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026

Everything from robotics to marksmanship to chess boxing.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

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