The Sense–Think–Act Framework

How to Determine if an Object is a Robot

Manufacturers slap the word smart on everything. Marketers avoid the word robot unless it sounds cool. Engineers argue in acronyms. An us regular folk are still dreaming of a robot maid or butler for our homes. Or do we have them already?

Before we can answer any of that, we need a framework.

Our Ground Rules: What is a “Robot”?

I don't believe a robot needs arms, legs, or a dramatic backstory.

Instead, every device on this site is evaluated using a simple, practical framework borrowed from robotics and control systems—but explained like a human would explain it.

I call it the Sense–Think–Act cycle, based on a methodology widely used in 1985.

Sense

Does it have sensors to perceive the world?

Examples include:

• Cameras
• Microphones
• Temperature probes
• Motion detectors
• Touch sensors

If it can't sense anything, it's blind, deaf, and clueless. That's a strike.

Think

Does it process information and make decisions?

This doesn't require artificial intelligence or self-awareness. It can be as simple as:

• “If the water is dirty, run longer.”
• “If I detect an obstacle, turn left.”
• “If the temperature drops, turn on.”

If it can't think, it might just be a sensor with a switch. Another strike.

Act

Does it physically affect the world based on that decision?

Turning motors, opening valves, moving wheels, adjusting force—something has to happen beyond a notification.

If it only thinks but never acts, it's just a nervous system with no muscles.

The Core Idea

If a device can sense, think, and act in a closed loop, it starts to earn the right to be called a robot.

Starts to. Not automatically and you'll see this accross the site.

Why There Are No Easy Answers

You won't find many clean yes-or-no answers here and that's the nature of the debate.

Some devices:

• Sense and act, but don't really think.
• Think and sense, but rely on humans to act.
• Act automatically, but only in pre-programmed ways.
• May have been called a robot in the past but not anymore.

These are the gray areas, and frankly, they're the most interesting part.

A washing machine from 1995? Probably just a machine.
A modern washer/dryer combo with turbidity sensors and adaptive cycles? Now we're talking.
A thermostat that learns your habits? That's a fight waiting to happen.

Common Starting Point

Today's “smart appliance” is tomorrow's robot. The line is moving, whether we like it or not. The ever-changing definition of a robot keeps the converstion fresh and interesting.

As long as we all use the same methodology, we can have a friendly debate on Is It a Robot?.