# Robot definitions
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robot-definitions/213121
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [November 13, 2003, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robot-definitions/213121 "2003-11-13T22:39:58Z")
**Posts on this page:** 2
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@HeidiKay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeidiKay)
#### Post date: [November 13, 2003, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robot-definitions/213121/1 "2003-11-13T22:39:58Z")
Many years ago, I remember reading about the very specific definitions of robots, androids, automatons, etc., but I can’t find it anywhere now. It was something like androids look humanoid and their actions are internally motivated; robots act strictly according to a pre-set program, or something like that. I really don’t remember (might have been in Omni, but I’m not sure).
I’ve tried looking these up the a few dictionaries, but they don’t seem to differentiate between the various kinds. I’m at a loss. Does anyone know the differences or know where I can look?
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### Author:  [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)
#### Post date: [November 13, 2003, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robot-definitions/213121/2 "2003-11-13T23:23:05Z")
I fear that any such system of definitions will come a cropper; someone will object to nearly any possible formulation, and will be able to produce scientific (or at least science fictional) counter-examples.
For instance, the “android” Data, on Star Trek: The Next Generation. To my mind, he’s a robot. Cordwainer Smith’s “robots,” on the other hand, had controllers built from finely sliced mouse-brains built up in bio-electronic laminates: that makes 'em “cyborgs” by the definition I’m most familiar with.
Still…
A robot is entirely artificial (no biological parts) and self-motivating. It may or may not be self-aware.
A cyborg involves some biological parts.
An android is either of the above, in a humanoid form. (The previous two don’t have to have two arms and two legs, but an android must.)
But, like I said, others will (I prognosticate!) disagree.
Trinopus