Define 'robotics' in the context of automation technology.

In the context of automation technology, robotics refers to the design, construction, operation, and use of robots. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence. Robotics involves creating machines that can perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously, which is a key aspect of modern automation practices.

The field integrates various disciplines to develop robots capable of executing complex tasks in different environments, from manufacturing to healthcare, highlighting its importance in enhancing efficiency and improving productivity. By focusing on the comprehensive nature of both hardware and software in building functioning robots, this definition captures the essence and purpose of robotics within the larger framework of automation technology.