robotics
B2Technical/Academic
Definition
Meaning
The branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots.
The interdisciplinary field involving engineering, computer science, and other disciplines focused on creating machines that can perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously, often replacing or assisting human labor.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically used as a singular noun (robotics is) despite the -s ending. Refers to the field/technology rather than individual robots.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties treat it identically.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in technical contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
study roboticsspecialise in roboticswork in roboticsadvances in roboticsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the robotics revolution”
- “at the cutting edge of robotics”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to automation solutions in manufacturing and logistics.
Academic
Interdisciplinary field studied in engineering and computer science departments.
Everyday
Generally understood but not commonly used in casual conversation.
Technical
Precise term for the science and engineering of robots.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The factory plans to robotics their assembly line next year.
- They're looking to robotics the packaging process.
American English
- The company wants to robotics their warehouse operations.
- We need to robotics the manufacturing process to stay competitive.
adverb
British English
- The system operates roboticsly without human intervention.
- The arm moves roboticsly along the assembly line.
American English
- The warehouse functions roboticsly 24 hours a day.
- The entire process is controlled roboticsly.
adjective
British English
- The robotics industry is growing rapidly in the UK.
- She attended a robotics conference in London.
American English
- The robotics sector has created many new jobs.
- He works for a robotics startup in Silicon Valley.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Robotics is about making robots.
- Some factories use robotics.
- The company invested in robotics to improve production.
- Robotics can help with dangerous jobs.
- Advances in robotics are transforming manufacturing industries.
- She decided to study robotics at university.
- The integration of artificial intelligence with robotics has led to sophisticated autonomous systems.
- Ethical considerations in military robotics continue to provoke intense debate among policymakers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ROBOTics = the science of making ROBOTs work.
Conceptual Metaphor
ROBOTICS IS A TOOL FOR EXTENDING HUMAN CAPABILITIES
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'роботика' (rarely used) – use 'робототехника' instead.
- Don't confuse with 'robots' (роботы) – robotics is the field, not the machines.
Common Mistakes
- Using as plural: 'Robotics are' (incorrect) vs 'Robotics is' (correct).
- Confusing with 'robots': 'He builds robotics' (awkward) vs 'He works in robotics' (correct).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'robotics' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Singular. Despite the -s ending, it refers to a field of study (like mathematics or physics). Correct: 'Robotics is changing manufacturing.'
'Robotics' is the technology/science field. 'Robots' are the physical machines. Example: 'Robotics (the field) develops new robots (the machines).'
Yes, in compounds like 'robotics industry' or 'robotics engineer'. However, 'robotic' is more common as a standalone adjective.
The term was coined by science fiction writer Isaac Asimov in his 1941 short story 'Liar!', though it didn't enter widespread technical use until the 1960s.
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