R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots) is a science fiction play by the Czech writer Karel Capek (1890–1938), which is credited with introducing the word 'robot' (from the Czech robota meaning 'servitude' or 'drudgery') into English, although the creations it depicts would now be called androids. The robots were designed to be economical workers who, because they lacked emotions, would be easier to handle , more dependable, and cheaper than their human counterparts. However, the intended exploitation of the robots doesn't go to plan, and Capek used their revolt as a stage for his view on human relationships.