robot

robot n.  [IRC, MUD] An {IRC} or {MUD} user who is
   actually a program.  On IRC, typically the robot provides some
   useful service.  Examples are NickServ, which tries to prevent
   random users from adopting {nick}s already claimed by others,
   and MsgServ, which allows one to send asynchronous messages to be
   delivered when the recipient signs on.  Also common are
   `annoybots', such as KissServ, which perform no useful function
   except to send cute messages to other people.  Service robots are
   less common on MUDs; but some others, such as the `Julia' robot
   active in 1990--91, have been remarkably impressive Turing-test
   experiments, able to pass as human for as long as ten or fifteen
   minutes of conversation.