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Synonyms

robotics

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

noun

(used with a singular verb)
  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

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.

“Think about in history and when technology has stepped in,” she said, using the auto industry with robotics as an example.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

Son shed vast holdings of T-Mobile, Alibaba and even Nvidia as he sought to plow money into OpenAI, data centers and robotics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

SoftBank’s reach spans a $64 billion investment in OpenAI, plans for a massive fleet of data centers, robotics and its chip company Arm that has surged in valuation after an AI pivot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

Companies at Computex were keen to show off how they are integrating AI capabilities into robotics, with Nvidia announcing a new partnership with Chinese startup Unitree on a humanoid for researchers.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

“Very wise. Let’s not rush into anything. But promise me you’ll join the robotics team and help out with Tin Man. I mean—our entry.”

From "Ungifted" by Gordon Korman

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