A robo call (or robocall) is a term used to describe an automated phone call that plays a recorded message for the recipient. These calls are usually sent to a large group of phone numbers at one time and are used in a variety of applications.

While the term can refer to any automated call, people often associate it with calls from a political campaign or some other unwanted source. In that context, the term can carry negative connotations and lead people to complain about the robocalls they receive. However, when used with permission and to send information to people that want to receive it, robocalls can be a very positive thing. School closings, utility outages, job opportunities, sports practice cancellations, church prayer requests, and so much more important information can be delivered through robocalls that leave the call recipient grateful they received the message.