It’s time to update 19th century terms for 21st century technology

ByThelma M. Gutowski

Jun 7, 2022 #Absorbable Modified Polymers Technology, #Advanced Technology Grants Pass, #Aidan'S Professional Technology Services, #Albuquerque Nm Information Technology Recruiters, #Bhd Technology Vr, #Catholic ""Information Technology, #Ceo Comcast Technology, #Computer Technology Electronic, #Current Applications Of Rdna Technology, #Disadvantages Technology Law, #Ferrum Technology Services, #Fundamentals Of Medical Laboratory Technology, #Gmu Department Of Information Technology, #Hornborg Alf Technology Effects, #I'M Done Working In Technology, #James V. Arms Technology, #Jurassic Park Technology Analysis, #Liquidmetal Technology News, #Llc, #Mathey Technology And Engineering, #Medical Technology In 500 Bc, #Musc Library Technology Downloads, #New Jersey Technology Office Space, #Pc Ralley Technology, #Ridge Technology Services, #Technology 3x Reverse Etf, #Technology Abuse Use, #Technology Adoption Three Types, #Technology Advantage Info, #Technology And Improving Menial Jobs, #Technology Classroom Building 311, #Technology Companys In Usa, #Technology Distracting Studying Students, #Technology Docking Stations, #Technology Enablement White Paper, #Technology Images For Ppt, #Technology Impact On Finance Departments, #Technology In Chennai, #Technology In Greek Translation, #Technology Into History Lesson, #Technology Is Electricity Ted Talks, #Technology Professionals Of British Columbia, #Technology Relatesecuirty Topics, #Technology Studies Emu, #Technology To Prevent Medication Errors, #Technology Want What Ails Look, #Tesla Technology Roadmap, #Veterinary Assisting Vs Veterinary Technology, #Wentworth Institute Of Technology Animation, #What Is Today'S Technology, #With The Arise Of Technology

Unmanned and master/slave are two terms that are offensive to many in the community. Such terms may once have been accepted by society, but not any longer, and we are pleased to see many organizations starting to use alternative terms.

We call on you in 2022 to remove words with negative connotations, like the ones listed below, from all materials, course descriptions, department names, products, forms, reports or articles. The benefit to you is in broadening your appeal to all the community members who find those terms, if not outrightly offensive, then at the least old-fashioned and representative of a mindset that has not engaged meaningfully with creating inclusive or modern robotics.

Women in Robotics has taken the lead in curating a list of best practices in inclusive terminology, in consultation with other groups, and now we would like to share the first draft of “Terminology for 21st Century Technologists” for comment. So far we’ve considered gender, ethnicity and some disability issues. Our goal is to create a comprehensive directory of terminology, which can go through an update process periodically, just as standards do. There is obviously a little more work to be done and we want to include sections on ‘how to retire terms’, ‘how to implement changes constructively’ and more information about the process. This is where you can help us.

Please send comments in response to the first draft by June 28 2022 to [email protected]


Andra Keay
is the Managing Director of Silicon Valley Robotics, founder of Women in Robotics and is a mentor, investor and advisor to startups, accelerators and think tanks, with a strong interest in commercializing socially positive robotics and AI.

Andra Keay
is the Managing Director of Silicon Valley Robotics, founder of Women in Robotics and is a mentor, investor and advisor to startups, accelerators and think tanks, with a strong interest in commercializing socially positive robotics and AI.


Women In Robotics
is a global community for women working in robotics, or who aspire to work in robotics

Women In Robotics
is a global community for women working in robotics, or who aspire to work in robotics