An automaton is a relatively self-operating machine, or control mechanism designed to automatically follow a properations, or respond to predetermined instructions.
Some automata, such as bellstrikers in mechanical clocks, are designed to give the illusion to the casual observer that they are operating under their own power.
Since long ago, the term is commonly associated with automated puppets that resemble moving humans or animals, built to impress and/or to entertain people.
Last Updated on 2 years by pinc