5 Facts About Kraftwerk’s “The Robots”

“The Robots” first appeared on Kraftwerk’s 1978 album The Man-Machine. It was released on Kling Klang/Elektra Records.

The song’s German title is “Die Roboter.” Both versions appear on the album.

The track explores themes of automation and human-machine identity. Its lyrics are sung from the perspective of robots.

Kraftwerk used robotic vocal effects and electronic rhythms to match the theme. The sound is minimalist and mechanical.

The song became a staple of Kraftwerk’s live shows. They often performed it with robot-like choreography.