The spelling of the word "roboto" may appear confusing to some learners. The correct pronunciation of the word, using International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), is /ɹəʊˈbɒtəʊ/. This means that the first syllable is pronounced with the "oh" sound, followed by a short "o" sound in the second syllable. The "t" and "o" sounds are pronounced distinctly in the final syllable. This spelling is likely influenced by the origins of the word "robot," which comes from the Czech word "robota" meaning forced labor.
Roboto is a term of Filipino origin that refers to a type of dance commonly performed in the Philippines. The word is derived from the English term "robot," which describes a mechanical device capable of performing human-like actions. The Roboto dance is characterized by its robotic movements and precise choreography, imitating the jerky and stiff motions often associated with robots.
In the Philippine context, Roboto has become synonymous with street and urban dance styles. It typically incorporates elements of popping, locking, and breaking, combining fluidity and precision with sharp and mechanical movements. The dancers execute intricate sequences that mimic the actions of a robot, often punctuated with quick stops, isolations, and robotic poses, all emphasized by the dancers' body control and musicality.
The Roboto dance has gained popularity over the years, both as a competitive dance form and a form of creative expression. It is often performed in dance competitions, talent shows, and even in music videos, showcasing the dancer's agility, rhythm, and ability to interpret music through synchronized robotic movements.
Outside of dance, the term "Roboto" may also be used colloquially to describe someone who appears stiff, mechanical, or lacking in emotion. This usage draws upon the association of robots with lacking human qualities and behaving in a predetermined manner.
The etymology of the word "roboto" lies in the Japanese language. It is derived from the Japanese words "ロボット" (robotto), which means "robot". The term "robotto" itself was coined by the Czech writer Karel Čapek in his play "R.U.R". (Rossum's Universal Robots) in 1920. The word "roboto" is fairly popular in English due to its association with humanoid robots and has been used in various contexts such as robotics, science fiction, and technology.