Robot
A robot is a mechanical device capable of interacting with it's enviroment to perform predetermined physical activities. Unlike androids, robots need not be anthropomorphic or sapient. The field of science, engineering and technology dedicated to robots is known as robotics.
The word robot in it's modern sense was first coined writer Karel Čapek in his play RUR and was derived from the Czech word for Serf Labour. Today, robots are used in a variety of roles, including numerous applications in manufacturing, basic housework such as vacuuming, and as toys and novelty items. Various military forces are looking into military robotics.
Real Life Robots
- Foster-Miller TALON
- ASIMO
Robots in Science Fiction
Robots have played a big part in science fiction for most of the twentieth century and often play a focal part. Robots in science fiction frequently possess artificial intelligence.
- Numerous robots in the works of Isaac Asimov
- Numerous droids in Star Wars
- The exocomps in Star Trek TNG
- WALL-E in the film of the same name, in addition to many other robots
- Various war robots in the Terminator series of movies