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

/ rō′bŏt′ /

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

Derived Forms

• ˈrobot-ˌlike, adjective
• roˈbotic, adjective
• ˈrobotism, noun

Other Words From

• ro·bot·ism noun
• ro·bot·ic [roh-, bot, -ik], ro·bo·tis·tic [roh-b, uh, -, tis, -tik, -bo-], adjective
• ro·bot·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

"Since LiDAR technology is already implemented widely in devices such as autonomous cars, smartphones and robots," Huang concludes, "our method enriches their capabilities with surface property measurement at very small scales."

From Science Daily

“I don't know that anyone is tempted to pet these robot dogs. They do not look cuddly,” said Melissa Michelson, a political scientist at Menlo College.

From BBC

Sheriff’s Arson Explosives Detail bomb technicians deployed a robot to safely assess and render the package safe, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

This allows the robot to do interviews and even answer questions about its artwork.

From NewsForKids.net

Television footage showed a bomb-defusing robot creeping up to the bag and poking it until it popped with a bright flash.

From Los Angeles Times