What is "robot"

electronic device \electronic device\ n. a device depending on the principles of electronics and using the manipulation of electron flow for its operation.

Note: Numerous electronic devices are in daily use, among them the television, radio, computer, robot, transmitter, receiver, VCR, CD player, etc.

1923, from English translation of 1920 play "R.U.R." ("Rossum's Universal Robots"), by Karel Capek (1890-1938), from Czech robotnik "slave," from robota "forced labor, compulsory service, drudgery," from robotiti "to work, drudge," from an Old Czech source akin to Old Church Slavonic rabota "servitude," from rabu "slave," from Old Slavic *orbu-, from PIE *orbh- "pass from one status to another" (see orphan). The Slavic word thus is a cousin to German Arbeit "work" (Old High German arabeit). According to Rawson the word was popularized by Karel Capek's play, "but was coined by his brother Josef (the two often collaborated), who used it initially in a short story."

n. 1 A machine built to carry out some complex task or group of tasks, especially one which can be programmed. 2 (context chiefly science fiction English) An intelligent mechanical being designed to look like a human or other creature, and usually made from metal. 3 (context figuratively English) A person who does not seem to have any emotions. 4 (context South Africa English) A traffic light (from earlier ''robot policeman''). 5 (context surveying English) A theodolite which follows the movements of a prism and can be used by a one-man crew. 6 A style of dance popular in disco whereby the dancer impersonates the movement of a robot

n. a mechanism that can move automatically [syn: automaton, golem]

A robot is a mechanical or virtual artificial agent, usually an electromechanical machine that is guided by a computer program or electronic circuitry, and thus a type of an embedded system.

Robots can be autonomous or semi-autonomous and range from humanoids such as Honda's Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility ( ASIMO) and TOSY's TOSY Ping Pong Playing Robot ( TOPIO) to industrial robots, medical operating robots, patent assist robots, dog therapy robots, collectively programmed swarm robots, UAV drones such as General Atomics MQ-1 Predator, and even microscopic nano robots. By mimicking a lifelike appearance or automating movements, a robot may convey a sense of intelligence or thought of its own.

The branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing is robotics. These technologies deal with automated machines that can take the place of humans in dangerous environments or manufacturing processes, or resemble humans in appearance, behavior, and/or cognition. Many of today's robots are inspired by nature contributing to the field of bio-inspired robotics. These robots have also created a newer branch of robotics: soft robotics.

From the time of ancient civilization there have been many accounts of user-configurable automated devices and even automata resembling animals and humans, designed primarily as entertainment. As mechanical techniques developed through the Industrial age, there appeared more practical applications such as automated machines, remote-control and wireless remote-control.

The word 'robot' was first used to denote a fictional humanoid in a 1920 play R.U.R. by the Czech writer, Karel Čapek but it was Karel's brother Josef Čapek who was the word's true inventor. Electronics evolved into the driving force of development with the advent of the first electronic autonomous robots created by William Grey Walter in Bristol, England in 1948. The first digital and programmable robot was invented by George Devol in 1954 and was named the Unimate. It was sold to General Motors in 1961 where it was used to lift pieces of hot metal from die casting machines at the Inland Fisher Guide Plant in the West Trenton section of Ewing Township, New Jersey.

Robots have replaced humans in performing repetitive and dangerous tasks which humans prefer not to do, or are unable to do because of size limitations, or which take place in extreme environments such as outer space or the bottom of the sea.

There are concerns about the increasing use of robots and their role in society. Robots are blamed for rising unemployment as they replace workers in increasing numbers of functions. The use of robots in military combat raises ethical concerns. The possibilities of robot autonomy and potential repercussions have been addressed in fiction and may be a realistic concern in the future.

Robot is a German imaging company known originally for clockwork cameras, later producing surveillance ( Traffipax) and bank security cameras. Originally created in 1934 as a brand of Otto Berning and Co., it became part of the Jenoptik group of optical companies in 1999. In 2002 the company changed its name from Robot Foto & Electronic to ROBOT Visual Systems GmbH.

The motorized amateur cameras powered by clockwork (spring) motors were first made in 1934, and ended with a special limited edition collector's model, "Star Classic", in 1996. The Robot film cameras used 35 mm film, mostly in square 24 × 24 mm image format, but many used 18 × 24 mm (half-frame) and 24 × 36 mm (standard Leica format), and non-standard formats such as 6 × 24 mm (Recorder 6), 12 × 24 mm (Recorder 12) and 16 × 16 mm (Robot SC).

A robot is a virtual or mechanical artificial agent, usually an electro-mechanical machine.

Robot or Robots may also refer to:

Robot is the first serial of the 12th season in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 28 December 1974 to 18 January 1975. It was the first full serial to feature Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor, as well as Ian Marter as new companion Harry Sullivan.

The robot (or mannequin) is an illusionary street dance style – often confused with popping – that attempts to imitate a dancing robot or mannequin. Roboting gained fame after Michael Jackson used the dance when he performed " Dancing Machine" with his brothers, and later performed the dance during his solo career in songs such as " Billie Jean".

Robot is a fictional superhero appearing in the comic book Invincible, which is published by Image Comics.

"Robot" is an episode of the award-winning British comedy television series The Goodies.

This episode is also known as "Automation".

This episode was made by LWT for ITV.

Written by The Goodies, with songs and music by Bill Oddie.

Robot ( Greek: Ρόμποτ) is the 16th studio album by Greek singer-songwriter and record producer Nikos Karvelas, released by Nitro Music in 2002.

"Robot" is a song by the South Korean rock band CN Blue, written and produced by Jung Yong-hwa and Kosuke Oba. It was released in December 19, 2012 in three different editions as the group's fourth major single under Warner Music Japan and seventh overall. It follows previous singles " Where You Are" and " Come On".

'''Robot General Trading Co d.o.o. ''' is Bosnian domestic supermarket chain and group. The company's headquarters is located in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was founded in 1995 by Bosnian businessman Selver Oruč. The main activity of Robot is the production of household appliances through its own brand AWT – Appliance White Techniques (formerly known as BIRA Bihać) as well as trade, wholesale and retail of technical goods, consumer goods and food products. Robot sells merchandise through wholesale departments, and it was among the first companies in BiH that started to build modern shopping centers in major Bosnian cities.

In December 2015, Robot had 23 stores ( Hypermarkets, Supermarkets or Shopping malls) opened in Bosnia and Herzegovina and more than 1,500 employees. The Group also operates in Croatia through the company "Robot Commerce" Split.

Robot Shopping Centar is usually formatted as large hypermarkets with additional facilities such as kids playground, cafes, boutiques and restaurants.