The Economist is reporting that robots have "nothing to lose but their
chains" in a recent article.  The article also gives a working
definition of what a robot IS -- a subject we have yet to breech in
this group.  Here goes:

"A robot is defined not by its appearance, but by how it is
controlled. The more automated it is and the more it can determine its
behaviour, the more likely it is to count as a robot. Many single-
function service robots are already familiar. They could be vacuuming
the floor, cutting the grass or guarding your property while you are
away. In some clinics transport robots ferry around paperwork and
medicine; or they may be cleaning the office windows. "

http://www.economist.com/business/displayStory.cfm?source=hptextfeatu...