The word “robot” was coined by the Czech writer Karel Čapek in a 1920 play called Rossum’s Universal Robots, and is derived from the Czech robota, meaning “drudgery” or “servitude”.

Artificial intelligence is a potentially world-changing technology. It could help cure cancers , control autonomous cars , and augment human intelligence . Or it could lead to a robot apocalypse ...

Jan 16, 2025 · Technology Humanoid robot learns to waltz by mirroring people's movements An AI trained on motion capture recordings can help robots smoothly imitate human actions, such …

Sep 4, 2006 · Despite the longevity of the robot concept, robotic butlers that roam our homes and relieve us from housework still seemed far from reality until very recently. Instead, the vast …

Sep 16, 2022 · A robot made from magnetic fluid can be made smaller, thinner, or directed to break up with special magnets, which could be useful for delivering drugs into the body

Jan 25, 2023 · Technology Metal robot can melt its way out of tight spaces to escape A millimetre-sized robot made from a mix of liquid metal and microscopic magnetic pieces can stretch, …

Jul 17, 2024 · Researchers combined hydrogel with magnetic ferrofluid to make small jellyfish robots that can complete an obstacle course when directed with light

Jul 7, 2021 · Some people think we could easily build and identify a conscious robot, while others insist that it’s impossible – it all depends on what you think consciousness is.

Jul 23, 2025 · Comment The 25 best fictional robots – according to New Scientist From R2D2 to the Terminator via Bender and Johnny-5, we choose our favourite robots from books, films …

5 days ago · From bonobos and rats to tickling robots, research is finally cracking the secrets of why we’re ticklish, and what that reveals about our brains