From http://www.frc.ri.cmu.edu/robotics-faq/1.html#1.1 -  "Robotics FAQ":

  [...]
  1.1 What is the definition of a 'robot'?

  "A reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move
  material, parts, tools, or specialized devices through various
  programmed motions for the performance of a variety of tasks"
  Robot Institute of America, 1979

  Obviously, this was a committee-written definition. It's rather
  dry and uninspiring.  Better ones for 'robotics' might include:

  Force through intelligence.
  Where AI meet the real world.

  Webster says: An automatic device that performs functions normally
  ascribed to humans or a machine in the form of a human.

I think (and would argue) that the important part is the "move ...
through motions" aspect.  Whereas I thought at first that, e.g., band
organs are not robots (after all, no parts are moved through motions),
I'm now not so sure.  I would still discount the moving valves, etc. --
they are just "internal details" -- but when a player piano actually
_moves_ hammers, a band organ _moves_ drum sticks and beautiful ladies,
etc., it seems that mechanical(!) music should be counted under
"robots."

On the other hand, what does this buy us (also as a question to Mark
Kinsler who raised the question)?

Regards

Harald M. Mueller