Same as for humans. Or a hive mind, or some other type.

Which is?

Common dictionaries, such as Oxford, state:

Sapient 1. Wise, or attempting to appear wise. 2. Relating to the human species.

Where

1. wise is defined: Having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgement. Hard to see how that would apply to a hypothetical hive or machine drone civilization with only a single ‘wise’ controller.

2. Clearly not applicable.

Why wouldn't 1 work? Basically it's a species that is at least as intelligent as us and can carry out civilization, including scientific and technological progress. It may or may not be sentient as well, see Blindsight for example.

Sentience might be a better word.