Automaton
An automaton (plural: automata or automatons) is a self-operating machine, or a machine or control mechanism designed to follow automatically a predetermined sequence of operations, or respond to predetermined instructions.
(TO DO: expand, illustrate, cross-reference.)
Description
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.
The word "automaton" is the latinization of the Greek αὐτόματον, automaton, (neuter) "acting of one's own will".
This word was first used by Homer to describe automatic door opening, or automatic movement of wheeled tripods.
It is more often used to describe non-electronic moving machines, especially those that have been made to resemble human or animal actions, such as the jacks on old public striking clocks, or the cuckoo and any other animated figures on a cuckoo clock.
See also
External links
- Automaton @ Wikipedia
