Category talk:Robotics

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I suggest a more explicit and concise definition of the words "robot", and "robotic" be included in a prominent place. The two words are beginning to blend in meaning which would be unfortunate because their two meanings are both important.

A "robot" is an autonomous vehicle. The autonomous floor cleaners and lawn mowers currently on the market are robots and they are made by "robot" companies, not "robotics" companies.

A "robotic" device contains some intelligent connection of sensors to actuators and can be stationary. The modern automobile is a robotic device. Microwave ovens and some dishwashers are robotic devices because they contain sensors to control their functions after the human has started them up.

The "robots" in Iraq and Afganistan should more accurately be called "tele-robotic" vehicles since they are controlled by humans but contain some intelligent connection of a few sensors and actuators to aid the human and prevent damage to themselves.