What distinguishes a robot from other mechanisms such as a drone or ROV (remotely operated vehicle) ?
What distinguishes a robot from other mechanisms such as a drone or ROV (remotely operated vehicle) ?
I'm not sure that there's any distinct difference between robots and machinery. As crjeder says, the word "robot" comes from a Czech play, and was invented as a futuristic word for slave.
That said, there is a difference between robots and androids, which are machines that are designed to mimic the shape and appearance of a man. So C-3PO could be considered an android, but R2-D2 couldn't 
When Obi Wan said "These aren't the droids you're looking for," he was half telling the truth!
Also, it's worth knowing (for pub quiz purposes) that android is a masculine term; the female equivalent is a gynoid.
It's also worth noting that this doesn't help you in the slightest, Workshopshed.
I'm not sure that there's any distinct difference between robots and machinery. As crjeder says, the word "robot" comes from a Czech play, and was invented as a futuristic word for slave.
That said, there is a difference between robots and androids, which are machines that are designed to mimic the shape and appearance of a man. So C-3PO could be considered an android, but R2-D2 couldn't When Obi Wan said "These aren't the droids you're looking for," he was half telling the truth!
Also, it's worth knowing (for pub quiz purposes) that android is a masculine term; the female equivalent is a gynoid.
It's also worth noting that this doesn't help you in the slightest, Workshopshed.