Word
robotics
Phoneticsro·bot·ics, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɹoʊˈbɑtɪks/
UK/ɹəʊbˈɒtɪks/
Uncountable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“She decided to study robotics at university.”
contextual
“Advances in robotics have allowed manufacturers to automate dangerous tasks that were previously performed by human workers.”
complex
“The field of soft robotics explores the use of flexible materials to create machines that can safely interact with biological tissues in surgical environments.”
Usage
Treated as a singular noun despite the 's' ending; takes a singular verb.
Pitfall
Robotics are a growing field.
Robotics is a growing field.
Like 'physics' or 'mathematics', this word is singular and requires a singular verb.
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
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.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/robotics