Jul 11, 2023 | Makeblock
When an object is given a name, it creates an emotional connection. Thinking back to our childhood, we give everything a name, from pets to toys. The name of a robot can point directly to its functionality and serve to characterize them. The preferred choice for characterizing robots in their names is of course acronyms, but also simple descriptive names are sometimes used.
Some robots have fancy names; some robots don't necessarily need to be equipped with a full arsenal of keywords, which leads to simple descriptive names for robots. Thus, people interacting with the robot immediately know what and who they are dealing with.
Thus, how to name robots and why should we name robots? Keep reading the ultimate robot name ideas for you!
7 Ways of Naming Robots
1. Puns
Puns is a joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words that sound alike but have different meanings.
2. Acronym
Once you have a long name, simply abbreviate it. The acronym is an abbreviation formed from the initial letters of other words and pronounced as a word.
3. Metaphor
Words don’t have to be used literally in a robot's name. They can be suggestive like Mustang (the robot is fast and sleek) or Expedition (the robot is for adventure).
4. Add a prefix or suffix
You can turn a common word into a robot name simply by adding a prefix or suffix to it. For example, Makeblock names its coding STEM robot as mBot, mBot Neo, mTiny, etc.
5. Make up a word
One way to ensure your product name is unique is to make up a word. It’s very common these days for product names to be compound words made by putting two words together to form an entirely new name. It is also creative to use real words that are misspelled.
6. Letter and number combinations
A standard method for naming robots is the use of simple letter and number combinations. Unlike acronyms, these are not abbreviations. Using numbers in names provides you with a very technologically-inspired touch. There are many examples of letter and number combinations like T-800 from Terminator or C-3PO and R2-D2 from Star Wars.
7. Name them like people
Giving robots people names bring them closer to our life. Imagine if Siri had been called Apple Bot 2011, or Amazon’s Alexa had been called Amazon Assistant.
Some Examples:
1. Puns: K9
K9 is the fictional robotic canine from Doctor Who. The term 'K9' or 'K-9' is derived from the English and French word 'CANINE' (which simply means 'DOG'). 'CA'='K' and 'NINE'='9' (same as 'YOU TOO'='U2'). Like any dog, this dog robot is the perfect companion that might seem harmless but has a scary laser weapon hidden in its eye.
2. Acronym: WALL-E and EVE
All best robot lists are incomplete without WALL-E. WALL-E and EVE are classic robot stars whose names are acronyms. WALL-E is a little inquisitive, with loads of curiosity and a golden mechanical heart! WALL-E, which is short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth Class, is one of the examples where long descriptive definitions turn into short, adorable nicknames. WALL-E is the last robot stuck in the wasteland that is the Earth. Left all lonely he finds EVE and falls in love. There begins a tale of two robots heading into space. EVE is short for Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator, which makes for a cute name and an acronym.
4 Tips for Naming a Robot
Naming a robot isn't hard. Not to mention there are many name generators out there that can help. Here are some tips for you to name a robot.
1. Identify Robots' Function
The first step to naming your robot is to identify the function it will perform. What function does it offer? It is easier to remember a robot with a function-related name.
2. Give Your Bot a Personality
Giving your robot a personality will help it develop a distinct identity. Assigning a personality to your bots, from gender to tone and avatar, can not only make them more interesting but also help create a specific robot image.
3. Create a Shortlist
You can create a shortlist of naming your robot. Having options is always a good idea. You can compare names to see which name is better. Whether it comes from an agency, your team, or an online robot name generator, create a shortlist to weigh your options before finalizing the name.
4. Script a Story
Once you’ve decided on your robot’s personality and come up with a shortlist of names, you can even script a story for it. Giving your robot a compelling backstory so it becomes vivid and interesting to interact with the robot.
Why Name Robots?
Without life and emotion, robots rely on algorithms to take action. So why do they need a name? Here are four reasons to consider naming your robot:
1. Names Humanize Robot
Artificial intelligence has made robots mimic human conversations possible. When they’re taking on so many human characteristics, it is appropriate to give them a real and human-like name.
2. Names Create Bonds
Addressing a robot with a name humanizes the bot and helps create a powerful bond. A name creates an emotional bond by establishing identity and powerful associations in the mind. This is why people who raise animals for food rarely name them. Giving robots names helps drive an instant connection.
3. Names Relate Robot Attributes
Giving a robot a name help create the same impression in customers’ minds. When you give your robot a name, it sets the tone for the kind of service the robot will provide.
Some Nice-named Robots
1. mTiny
mTiny Robot Kit is a smart panda emo robot for preschoolers to learn coding, music, math, and language. It allows children to play coding screen-free games with the use of a tap pen controller. Kids can play with mTiny at home with interactive educational tools with 3 dress-ups, 10+ facial expressions, and 300+ sound effects. The screen-free operation spares children’s eyes from the harmful effects of blue light emissions. The name mTiny describes the robot's "tiny" features well and it's catchy as well.
2. mBot Ultimate
mBot Ultimate, compatible with both Arduino and Raspberry Pi, has 10 robot-building forms for kids to play and learn. It can help students with engineering, mechanical, and programming learning. Also, mBot Ultimate supports visual programming such as Scratch block-based programming, the Arduino IDE, and Python. The name of mBot Ultimate shows the perfect forms and powerful functions of robotic kits. mBot Ultimate is also one of Top 10 Programmable Robot Kits for Adults
3. NextMaker
NextMaker is a monthly box for kids who want to learn coding skills in the long term. It will bring you different surprises every month! With a curiosity to learn STEM, kids can be motivated by this super cool monthly box. What is more, they can contact these scientific materials step by step, and no coding skills are required. Nextmaker can inspire your kids' creation from zero to coding hero! Nextmaker also has a name full of best wishes for the children.
