Rossum

Rossum is a surname of Czech origin. It is best known in popular culture for the fictional company Rossum's Universal Robots in Karel Čapek's science fiction play R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots), first staged in 1920. In the play, the factory Rossum's Universal Robots is named after its founder, the scientist Rossum, who develops artificial workers. The play coined the term "robot," derived from the Czech robota meaning forced labor. The story explores themes of creation, labor, control, and the ethical consequences of automation, culminating in a rebellion by the robots. The term has since become central to science fiction and broader discussions of technology and artificial life.

Beyond the play, Rossum also exists as a real surname, borne by individuals in various countries. Its cultural prominence largely stems from Čapek's work, where the name is tied to questions about industrialization, humanity, and the implications of autonomous machines.