robotics
n.the science and technology of designing, building, and using robots. It covers everything from the computer code that runs them to the metal parts they are made of.
n.the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. Often encompasses mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science.
“She decided to study robotics at university.”
“Advances in robotics have allowed manufacturers to automate dangerous tasks that were previously performed by human workers.”
“The field of soft robotics explores the use of flexible materials to create machines that can safely interact with biological tissues in surgical environments.”
Treated as a singular noun despite the 's' ending; takes a singular verb.
Like 'physics' or 'mathematics', this word is singular and requires a singular verb.
“One thing is clear, said Hsu, the US has lost the lead on robotics that it had a decade ago.”
“Physics are key for robotics and other areas of physical AI.”
Coined by American science fiction author Isaac Asimov in 1941 from robot + -ics by comparison to "physics ... hydraulics, celestial mechanics, and so on" in his short story Liar!.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.