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But they're not really robots though? Just actuators.

• beambot 11y ago
  I challenge you to come up with any definition of "robot" that isn't hotly contested by someone in robotics. (Disclaimer: I'm a career roboticist.) The most succinct definition I've ever heard: A robot is a machine that doesn't work; as soon as it starts working, it's called something else (vacuum cleaner, autonomous car, dishwasher, Rosey, etc.)
  • sehqlr 11y ago
    Your definition of robotics is similar to one I've heard for artificial intelligence. As soon as AI works for something, it's renamed (machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, etc.)
  • mikeash 11y ago
    Does that mean that if my car breaks down, it turns into a robot?
  • nsajko 11y ago
    FWIW I don't have a problem with calling autonomous stuff robots.
  • gozur88 11y ago
    Hah! I like that. But it's really only true because we don't have general purpose robots yet.