This term has a more generic meaning much like it does in the world of computing where Robots are referred to as "bots." It is a short-hand method of calling and writing robots in poker. These are usually the programs that are designed to play online poker games whether they require little or no human input. A poker bot can be described as the automation of the game using an artificially intelligent system or technology to play. The system which uses bots to operate the online version of poker was first developed by the Computer Poker Research Group of the University of Alberta.
The first type of bots developed by the Research Group was named the Vex Bot. This poker bot is designed and enabled to play poker games and at all levels, even though the bots' capability is presently restricted to only 2-player games. One benefit of poker bots is that they have and show zero emotions when it comes to playing the game. Humans might play aggressively or back off against their opponents but poker bots don't take such factors into account when computing the necessary parameters needed to play poker games.