[slowmovintarget]

The term is actually very well defined:

>> a machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically, especially one programmable by a computer.

The Mars rovers... robots. Squishybot here is a technology platform demonstrator. It shows that you could build one with these techniques.

[beambot]

So... your dishwasher, printer, washing machine, oven, and thermostat? All carry out "complex actions automatically" and are controlled by computers. No one would consider these "robots".

With all due respect, there is no agreed-upon definition. (As someone with a PhD in robotics, CEO of a robotics company, & robotics journalist for 10+ years. Even my old academic advisor and I had contention around 3D printers.) If that's not enough, here's a proper source: http://robohub.org/robohub-roundtable-why-is-it-so-difficult...

The best definition I've ever heard: A robot is a device that doesn't work (yet); as soon as it works, it is renamed (Vacuum robot => Roomba; clothes cleaning robot => washing machine; etc.)

[jayjay71]

"A robot is a device that doesn't work (yet); as soon as it works, it is renamed"

I love this definition.

[Namrog84]

I might be in minority but I always considered most them robots.

(depending of course the model and complexity)

But then again, I am no one

[speleding]

By that definition a card board mock up would be a robot too. I agree with the grandparent that a squishy thing that just flails its arms is not what most people would consider a "robot", experts included.

[sndean]

> washing machine, oven, and thermostat? ... No one would consider these "robots".

> clothes cleaning robot => washing machine; etc.

So do you think a washing machine is a robot?

[beambot]

Nope. It already works.

[sndean]

But that would mean that washing machines were at one time considered robots, but now they aren't ... Ohh, okay, I like that definition too.

[_0ffh]

So, same definition as AI?