Automatic hold up related to hearing (7)

I believe the answer is:

robotic

'automatic' is the definition.
(robotic can mean automatic or mechanical)

'hold up related to hearing' is the wordplay.
'hold up' becomes 'rob' (as in holding up a bank).
'related to hearing' becomes 'otic'.
'rob'+'otic'='ROBOTIC'

(Other definitions for robotic that I've seen before include "Unthinking, like a machine" , "working mechanically" , "Mechanical; unemotional" , "Like a mechanical man" , "Of automated movements" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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