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Computer vs. Robot — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 16, 2023
A computer is an electronic device that processes data. A robot is a machine, often computer-controlled, designed to execute tasks.
Computer vs. Robot — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Computer and Robot

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Key Differences

A computer is fundamentally an electronic device engineered to process and store data, executing tasks based on programmed instructions. On the flip side, a robot is a machine, sometimes computer-operated, that can perform tasks, either autonomously or via external control.
Computers range from personal desktops to vast data centers, focusing on data processing, software applications, and digital storage. Robots, however, can be seen in various industries, from manufacturing assembly lines to household cleaning, typically performing physical tasks.
While computers require human intervention for data input and processing tasks, robots are often designed to execute tasks without constant human supervision. This doesn't mean robots work entirely independently; many derive their operational intelligence from computer systems.
Connectivity is another aspect. Many modern computers are connected to the internet, accessing and distributing information worldwide. Robots, in contrast, might not always require such connectivity, but when linked, can be remotely controlled or receive updates.
To summarize, a computer emphasizes data processing and storage, while a robot centers on carrying out physical tasks, frequently leveraging computer systems for its intelligence.
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Comparison Chart

Primary Function

Data processing and storage
Performing tasks

Physical Interaction

Typically none
Often interacts with its environment

Dependency

Needs human input for operations
Can operate autonomously or semi-autonomously

Connectivity

Often connected to networks
May or may not be connected

Form

Static and non-moving
Can have moving parts or mobility

Compare with Definitions

Computer

A machine that executes specific tasks based on programmed instructions.
The computer solved the complex equation in seconds.

Robot

A machine capable of performing tasks autonomously.
The factory deployed a robot to handle heavy lifting.

Computer

A system that connects with and uses software applications.
My computer runs the latest operating system.

Robot

An apparatus often controlled by a computer or remote mechanism.
The robot was designed to assist surgeons in medical procedures.

Computer

An electronic device for processing and storing data.
I bought a new computer to play the latest video games.

Robot

A device created to mimic human or animal movements or functions.
The dog-like robot could navigate difficult terrains.

Computer

A device that aids in digital content creation and consumption.
She designed the entire project on her computer.

Robot

A mechanism that interacts with its environment based on sensors.
The robot detected obstacles using infrared sensors.

Computer

An apparatus used for computation or data management.
Every modern office relies on computers for daily tasks.

Robot

A robot is a machine—especially one programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. A robot can be guided by an external control device, or the control may be embedded within.

Computer

A computer is a machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. Modern computers can perform generic sets of operations known as programs.

Robot

(especially in science fiction) a machine resembling a human being and able to replicate certain human movements and functions automatically
A sci-fi movie about time-travelling killer robots
The robot closed the door behind us

Computer

A device that computes, especially a programmable electronic machine that performs high-speed mathematical or logical operations or that assembles, stores, correlates, or otherwise processes information.

Robot

Another term for crawler

Computer

Such a device along with peripherals, especially a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Robot

A set of automatic traffic lights
Waiting at a robot I caught the eye of a young woman

Computer

One who computes.

Robot

A mechanical device that sometimes resembles a human and is capable of performing a variety of often complex human tasks on command or by being programmed in advance.

Computer

A person employed to perform computations; one who computes.

Robot

A machine or device that operates automatically or by remote control.

Computer

A male computer, where the female computer is called a computress.

Robot

A person who works mechanically without original thought, especially one who responds automatically to the commands of others.

Computer

A programmable electronic device that performs mathematical calculations and logical operations, especially one that can process, store and retrieve large amounts of data very quickly; now especially, a small one for personal or home use employed for manipulating text or graphics, accessing the Internet, or playing games or media.
I spend around 6 hours a day at the computer.
As well as saving the photos on my computer, I have them backed up on a USB drive.
David is a computer expert.
Janet works at the computer store.

Robot

A form of urban dance involving a succession of separate movements executed with precision in imitation of a robot.

Computer

One who computes.

Robot

A system of serfdom used in Central Europe, under which a tenant's rent was paid in forced labour.

Computer

An electronic device for performing calculations automatically. It consists of a clock to provide voltage pulses to synchronize the operations of the devices within the computer, a central processing unit, where the arithmetical and logical operations are performed on data, a random-access memory, where the programs and data are stored for rapid access, devices to input data and output results, and various other peripheral devices of widely varied function, as well as circuitry to support the main operations.

Robot

An intelligent mechanical being designed to look like a human or other creature, and usually made from metal.

Computer

Same as digital computer.

Robot

A machine built to carry out some complex task or group of tasks by physically moving, especially one which can be programmed.
We have a robot in the house that does the vacuuming.

Computer

A machine for performing calculations automatically

Robot

(figuratively) A person who does not seem to have any emotions.

Computer

An expert at calculation (or at operating calculating machines)

Robot

(South Africa) A traffic light (from earlier robot policeman).

Robot

(surveying) A theodolite which follows the movements of a prism and can be used by a one-man crew.

Robot

(dance) A style of dance popular in disco in which the dancer imitates the stiff movements of a stereotypical android robot.

Robot

(Internet slang) A habitual poster on the /r9k/ board on 4chan; a member of the /r9k/ community.

Robot

A mechanism that can move automatically

Robot

An automated entity that can be programmed for various tasks.
The cleaning robot roams our house, vacuuming the floors.

Common Curiosities

Can computers learn and adapt like robots?

Computers can "learn" through machine learning algorithms, while robots use such learning to interact with their environment.

Can a robot function without a computer?

While some simple robots might, most modern robots utilize computers or microcontrollers for operations.

What is the primary function of a computer?

A computer processes and stores data, while a robot performs specific tasks, often autonomously.

How do computers receive instructions?

Computers receive instructions through software or user input, whereas robots might get commands from embedded systems or remote controllers.

Are smartphones considered computers?

Yes, smartphones are essentially small computers but are not robots as they don't perform tasks autonomously in the physical world.

Are drones considered robots?

Yes, drones are flying robots that can be either controlled remotely or fly autonomously using onboard computers.

What powers a computer?

Computers are typically powered by electricity, and many robots rely on batteries or electrical sources.

Do all robots look like humans?

No, while some robots are humanoid, many are designed based on function, not resembling humans or a computer.

Can a robot design a computer?

While a robot can assist in assembling or manufacturing a computer, the design process requires human expertise.

Why do some robots have computer screens?

Robots might incorporate computer screens to display information, interact with humans, or receive instructions.

Do robots have emotions?

Robots don't have emotions. However, they can be programmed to recognize and respond to human emotions using computer algorithms.

Can robots replace all human tasks?

While robots can perform many tasks, there are roles requiring human intuition, creativity, and emotion that neither robots nor computers can replicate.

How do computers communicate with robots?

Computers communicate with robots through software protocols, wireless signals, or wired connections.

Can a computer move like a robot?

A computer doesn't have moving parts for mobility, whereas a robot is often designed to move or interact with its environment.

Is a calculator a computer?

A calculator is a basic form of a computer designed for arithmetic tasks, but it's not a robot.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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