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Humanoid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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humanoid

[ˈhjuːməˌnɔɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

robotic entities

A humanoid refers to any being that has human-like characteristics or attributes. This term is often used in the context of robotics, where robots are designed to resemble human forms and movements. Humanoids can come in various designs and functionalities, from simple robotic assistants to complex artificial intelligences. The study of humanoids often explores the interaction between humans and these robotic entities, focusing on both physical and psychological dimensions.

Synonyms

android, automaton, cyborg, robot.

Examples of usage

  • The humanoid robot demonstrated advanced walking capabilities.
  • Researchers are developing humanoids for elderly care.
  • Movies often feature humanoids as artificial intelligences.
  • The exhibit showcased various humanoids in action.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science Fiction

  • In popular culture, humanoids often appear in science fiction as robots or aliens designed to resemble humans, like the characters in the movie 'Blade Runner'.
  • Many authors speculate about the future creation of humanoids, exploring ethical and existential themes regarding their rights and integration into society.

Robotics

  • Humanoid robots are developed for various applications, including assistance in industries, healthcare, and even for companionship.
  • Notable examples include ASIMO by Honda, which can walk, run, and recognize faces, showcasing advancements in robotics technology.

Cultural Representation

  • Humanoid figures are prominent in mythology and folklore, such as Golems in Jewish tradition or Androids in Japanese anime and manga.
  • The depiction of humanoids in art has varied greatly, reflecting societal views on aging, beauty, and identity throughout history.

Psychology

  • The mere-exposure effect suggests that people are more comfortable interacting with humanoids that closely resemble humans, affecting how we relate to robots.
  • The uncanny valley phenomenon describes the discomfort people feel when humanoid robots appear almost, but not perfectly, human-like.

Origin of 'humanoid'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Latin word 'humanus', meaning 'of or belonging to man', combined with 'oid', which means 'like' or 'resembling'.
  • The prefix 'humo-' indicates human characteristics, while the suffix '-oid' is often used to suggest similarity in form to another entity.

The term 'humanoid' is derived from the Latin word 'humanus,' meaning 'human,' and the suffix '-oid,' which denotes resemblance or likeness. The concept has evolved over time, particularly in fields involving robotics and artificial intelligence, where the aim is to create machines that can mimic human appearance and behaviors. The first notable humanoid robots were developed in the 20th century, but the fascination with human-like figures dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the automata of the Greeks and the mechanical figures of the Renaissance. With advancements in technology, the definition and application of humanoids have expanded, and they now play crucial roles in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and entertainment, and raise important ethical questions about the nature of consciousness, identity, and what it means to be human.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,623 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.