Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

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."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

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.

Agility Robotics, a startup that makes humanlike robots used in manufacturing facilities and warehouses, is set to go public in a deal valuing it at about $2.5 billion, its executives told The Wall Street Journal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026

A keen student as a child, he won Ghana's 2019 National RiSE Robotics Championship, external aged 13.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

Humble Robotics, founded last year in San Francisco, has raised $24 million to develop a cabless freight truck that lacks a steering wheel, gas pedal and driver’s seat.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2026

Humble Robotics has not yet applied for a California DMV autonomous vehicle permit and was originally planning testing operations in Texas.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2026

Psychologically, his behavior can be studied, for if he is a positronic robot, he must conform to the three Rules of Robotics.

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "robotics" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com