Fear of robots (robophobia)

Robophobia describes a fear of, or strong dislike of, robots. It might show up as unease around humanoid robots, distrust of automated machines in shops and hospitals, or worry about where artificial intelligence is heading. For most people it is closer to a strong opinion than a phobia, though some do feel real anxiety.

About this phobia

The word is used in robotics and human-robot interaction research, usually to describe negative attitudes towards robots rather than a clinical condition. It is linked to the idea of the uncanny valley, where machines that look almost human feel eerie. It also overlaps with technophobia, a wider fear of technology.

What it feels like

• A creeping unease when a robot looks or moves almost like a person
• Avoiding self-service machines, robot vacuums or talking devices
• Worry about robots or AI replacing jobs or getting out of control

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is robophobia a real phobia?

In most cases it is better seen as an attitude or a set of worries about robots and technology, and that is how researchers tend to use the word. For a small number of people the reaction is strong enough to feel like a true phobia, with panic and avoidance. Either way, the feelings are understandable given how fast the technology is changing.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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