Automaton

About

An automaton is a relatively self-operating machine or control mechanism designed to automatically follow a sequence of operations or respond to predetermined instructions. Some automata, such as bellstrikers in mechanical clocks, are engineered to give the illusion to casual observers that they operate under their own power or will, functioning like mechanical robots. The term has long been associated with automated puppets that resemble moving humans or animals, which were built to impress and entertain people. Modern automata have evolved to include animatronics, which incorporate electronics and are frequently used for portraying characters or creatures in films and theme park attractions.