android

robot

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

An android is a mobile robot designed to resemble a human. The term "android" originates from Greek words meaning "man" and "form," reflecting its humanlike appearance.1

While often featured in science fiction, androids are distinct from aliens, which are speculative life forms from other worlds. Robots, including androids, are typically considered mechanical creations. The concept of creating humanlike figures, whether robots or mythical beings, has a long history in human imagination.23

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

automaton
Types of automatons
The most complicated are the androids: figures in human form that can be made to walk about, play music, write, or draw. They are mostly of fairly large size and intended for public display. At the other end of the scale are exquisitely finished pocket-sized objects such as trick pistols…
Read More
The most complicated are the androids: figures in human form that can be made to walk about, play music, write, or draw. They are mostly of fairly large size and intended for public display. At the other end of the scale are exquisitely finished pocket-sized objects such as trick pistols…
Read More