
What is a robot? - New Scientist
The word “robot” was coined by the Czech writer Karel Čapek in a 1920 play called Rossum’s Universal Robots, and is derived from the Czech robota, meaning “drudgery” or “servitude”.
What exactly is artificial intelligence (AI)? | New Scientist
Artificial intelligence is a potentially world-changing technology. It could help cure cancers , control autonomous cars , and augment human intelligence . Or it could lead to a robot apocalypse ...
The word ‘bot’ is increasingly being used as an insult on social media
Jun 10, 2024 · Calling someone a bot on social media once meant you suspected they were actually a piece of software, but now the use of the word is shifting to become an insult to …
Introduction: Robots - New Scientist
Sep 4, 2006 · Despite the longevity of the robot concept, robotic butlers that roam our homes and relieve us from housework still seemed far from reality until very recently. Instead, the vast …
Liquid robot can split into tiny droplets and reform into a blob
Sep 16, 2022 · A robot made from magnetic fluid can be made smaller, thinner, or directed to break up with special magnets, which could be useful for delivering drugs into the body
What is a chimera? - New Scientist
A chimera is an individual whose body is composed of cells that are genetically distinct, as if they are from different individuals – and sometimes they really are from different individuals ...
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Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.
Tiny jellyfish robots made of ferrofluid can be controlled with light
Jul 17, 2024 · Researchers combined hydrogel with magnetic ferrofluid to make small jellyfish robots that can complete an obstacle course when directed with light
Metal robot can melt its way out of tight spaces to escape
Jan 25, 2023 · A millimetre-sized robot made from a mix of liquid metal and microscopic magnetic pieces can stretch, move or melt. It could be used to fix electronics or remove objects from the …
The 25 best fictional robots – according to New Scientist
Jul 23, 2025 · Comment The 25 best fictional robots – according to New Scientist From R2D2 to the Terminator via Bender and Johnny-5, we choose our favourite robots from books, films …