Authors have used the term android in more diverse ways than robot or cyborg. In some fictional works, the difference between a robot and android is only superficial, with androids being made to look like humans on the outside but with robot-like internal mechanics.

What is the difference between robots and androids?

Both words are usually used interchangeably, which is why R2-D2 is called a droid, a derivative of android. (Side note: Verizon’s Droid site states: DROID is a trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. … A robot can, but does not necessarily have to be in the form of a human, but an android is always in the form of a human.

What is the difference between a Droid and an android?

“Droid” is the name of a line of smartphones offered by Verizon Wireless to its cellular customers. These phones run the Android operating system, but are distinct from it. Whereas Android is the operating system, like Windows or Linux on a computer, a Droid smartphone functions as the computer itself.