From which type of literary work does the word "robot" originate?

The term "robot" originates from a play written by Czech playwright Karel Čapek, titled "R.U.R." or "Rossum's Universal Robots," which premiered in 1920. In this work, "robot" is derived from the Czech word "robota," meaning forced labor or drudgery. The play explores themes of artificial intelligence and the relationship between humans and machines, significantly influencing the way we perceive robots in modern culture. Čapek's use of the term established it as a staple in both literary and technological contexts, emphasizing the connection to human-like automatons created to serve people. This origin highlights how the play not only popularized the word but also delved into complex social issues surrounding automation and labor.