Robotizations

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The process of automating tasks through the use of machines or technology
2. The method of implementing robotic systems to perform functions traditionally done by humans
3. A trend involving the replacement of manual labor with automated robotic solutions in various industries

Etymology: "Robotization" is a plain formation: the noun "robot" with the suffix "-ization", which turns a noun or adjective into a noun meaning the process of making something into, or doing it by means of, that thing. "Robot" itself came from Czech "robota", meaning forced labour or drudgery, and was popularised by Karel Čapek's 1920 play "R.U.R.", whose artificial workers took their name from it. The word "robotization" is therefore a Czech-derived noun that has travelled a long way from serfdom to the factory floor. The suffix chain behind it runs through Greek and Latin. "-ize" passed into English via Late Latin "-izare" and Greek "-izein", and "-ation" comes from Latin "-atio" by way of Old French. Put together, "-ization" describes the act of converting things into a particular form, so robotization names the process of replacing human labour with machines.