The term “clanker,” originally a derogatory slur for robots from Star Wars, has emerged as real-world slang used by people frustrated with increasing automation and the presence of humanoid robots in daily life. What began as ironic usage has evolved into a more serious expression of concern about job displacement and the normalization of robots performing traditionally human roles.
What you should know: “Clanker” specifically refers to humanoid robots performing jobs typically reserved for humans, such as serving food or cleaning.
The big picture: The slang reflects growing public anxiety about automation’s impact on employment and social norms as humanoid robots become more prevalent.
Why this matters: The emergence of “clanker” as a rallying cry signals organized resistance to rapid automation, particularly around job displacement concerns.
What they’re saying: Elon Musk described the capabilities of his Optimus robot at an October launch event: “What can it do? It’ll do anything you want.”
What’s next: As automation continues expanding into new areas of life, people will likely continue adopting new terminology to navigate and express their feelings about advancing technologies.