Automatons

Automatons are self-operating machines or devices, often designed to mimic human or animal behavior. They can range from simple mechanical contraptions, like clockwork toys, to complex electromechanical robots and computer-controlled systems. The term often implies a lack of independent thought or feeling, emphasizing their pre-programmed or automated nature. Historically, automatons fascinated people, showcasing ingenuity and raising questions about artificial intelligence, the nature of life, and the boundary between human and machine.

Automatons meaning with examples

• The antique shop's window displayed a collection of intricate automatons. One, a tiny drummer, pounded a miniature snare with astonishing precision, while another, a ballerina, gracefully twirled with the whir of its gears. Each creation was a testament to the ingenuity of the clockmakers, who captured human movement through the intricate choreography of springs, cams, and levers. The visitors were captivated by these delicate mechanical illusions.
• In science fiction, automatons often take the form of humanoid robots, serving as servants, soldiers, or even substitutes for humans. Their artificial intelligence, however, raises ethical questions about their rights and the consequences of widespread technological advancement. Stories grapple with themes of loss of humanity and over-reliance on these advanced machines.
• The factory floor was a symphony of industrial automatons. Robotic arms welded, painted, and assembled components with tireless efficiency. While productivity soared, concerns arose about job displacement and the human cost of progress. The tireless automatons ensured speed and precision that were unimaginable to the human workers that came before them.
• Children marveled at the wind-up toys that were automatons, like the robotic dog that barked and wagged its tail. The simpler design brought joy by merely imitating the behavior of other animals. Some even pretended they could 'talk' with their tin companions. Their simplicity allowed the young to fantasize and play in their imaginations.