TED-Ed: Mysteries of vernacular: Robot - Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel

The video explores the origin and evolution of the word 'robot'. It begins with the definition of a robot as a programmable machine and traces the etymology back to the era of serfdom in Central Europe, where 'rabota' meant forced labor. The term evolved into 'robota' in Czech, symbolizing hard work. In 1920, Czech writer Karel Capek introduced the term 'robot' in his play R.U.R., depicting machines with human traits. The play's success popularized the term, which was embraced in English by 1923. Today, robots differ from Capek's vision but remain integral to society, without the rebellion seen in R.U.R.

What was the original meaning of the word 'rabota' in the context of Central Europe?

• A religious ritual

• A type of currency

• A form of entertainment

• Forced labor

In which language did the word 'robota' originate, and what did it signify?

• Latin, meaning freedom

• Czech, meaning hard work

• Greek, meaning technology

• French, meaning innovation

Who was the author of the play R.U.R., and what did it introduce?

• Isaac Asimov, introducing the Three Laws of Robotics

• Karel Capek, introducing the concept of robots

• Jules Verne, introducing futuristic machines

• Mary Shelley, introducing the idea of artificial life

What was the original name considered for the machines in Capek's play, and why was it changed?

• Servi, because it was too simplistic

• Machina, because it was too generic

• Labori, because it sounded too scholarly

• Automata, because it was too complex

How do modern robots differ from those imagined by Capek in his play?

• Modern robots are more human-like

• Modern robots have not risen against humans

• Modern robots have revolted against humans

• Modern robots are less popular