An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A machine that does mechanical, routine tasks on command.

Etymology (EN): From Czech, coined by Karel Čapek in the play R.U.R. (1920), from the base robot-, as in robota “compulsory labor,” robotník “peasant owing such labor,” from robotiti “to work, drudge.”

Etymology (PE): Robot, loan from E., as above.