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In that case, what is the difference between machine and robot? The word loses its meaning.

Most of those execute a fixed program with no feedback. The hallmark of robotics, as I understand it, is complex feedback mechanisms. Robotics classes at my school were 80% control theory.

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I think it's a difference of degree, not kind. And, as you suggest, the degree of onboard control / adaptivity is probably a good spectrum.

As things become more simple and robust, I would argue the degree of adaptivity will necessarily decrease, because adaptivity is required to handle situations off nominal, and those can and should be designed around.

Perhaps a toaster is a machine because it toasts for 2 minutes (or whatever it is present to) while a robotic toaster takes the bread and toasts it until it's done?

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