Robot

A robot is an electronic/mechanical machine that is able to perform tasks as per a set of specific preprogrammed parameters. Another common characteristic is that by its appearance or movements, a robot often conveys a sense that it has intent or agency of its own. The word robot can refer to both physical robots and virtual software agents, but the latter are usually referred to as bots. There is no consensus on which machines qualify as robots, but there is general agreement among experts and the public that robots tend to do some or all of the following: move around, operate a mechanical limb, sense and manipulate their environment, and exhibit intelligent behavior, especially behavior which mimics humans or other animals. As a means of preventing robots from becoming a threat to their environment, many of them are programmed to adhere to certain guidelines or "laws". As per science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, the Three Laws of Robotics are:

A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

A robot must obey any orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Robots also appear in many cartoon programs. They are the primary subject of the Transformers animated franchise, and tend to pop up in other related genres including sci-fi, action/adventure, superhero fantasy and comedy.