Mysteries of vernacular: Robot - Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel
112,596 Views
815 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
In 1920, Czech writer Karel Čapek wrote a play about human-like machines, thereby inventing the term robot from the Central European word for forced labor. Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel explain how the science fiction staple earned its name.
How are the robots in R.U.R. similar to human slaves?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Jessica Oreck
- Producer Rachael Teel
