robot

[roh-bot]

noun

1. a machine that resembles a human and does mechanical, routine tasks on command.

2. a person who acts and responds in a mechanical, routine manner, usually subject to another's will; automaton.

3. any machine or mechanical device that operates automatically with humanlike skill.

adjective

1. operating automatically.

   a robot train operating between airline terminals.

robot

/ ˈrəʊbɒt /

noun

1. any automated machine programmed to perform specific mechanical functions in the manner of a man

2. (modifier) not controlled by man; automatic

   a robot pilot

3. a person who works or behaves like a machine; automaton

4. a set of traffic lights

robot

1. A machine designed to replace human beings in performing a variety of tasks, either on command or by being programmed in advance.

Other Word Forms

• robotism noun
• robotic adjective
• robotistic adjective
• robotlike adjective
• robot-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of robot¹

< Czech, coined by Karel Čapek in the play R.U.R. (1920) from the base robot-, as in robota compulsory labor, robotník peasant owing such labor

Word History and Origins

Origin of robot¹

C20: (used in R.U.R. , a play by Karel _Čapek ) from Czech robota work; related to Old Slavonic rabota servitude, German Arbeit work

Example Sentences

To get the package he would need to boost Tesla's value eightfold, sell a million AI robots, sell another 12 million Tesla cars, and hit several other goals.

From BBC

Serve Robotics has drawn criticism for the behavior of the robot and the danger posed to people using scooters or wheelchairs.

From Los Angeles Times

“Alien: Earth” follows that pattern, trading the classic robot uprising for a version of non-humans with minds and souls.

From Salon

Residents reported the Israeli military dispatched what they called “booby-trapped robots” — armored personnel carriers filled with explosives repurposed as unmanned drones — into city neighborhoods.

From Los Angeles Times

Optimus is Tesla’s humanoid robot that has yet to come close to the mobility standards set by robotics firms such as Boston Dynamics.

From Los Angeles Times