An automaton (/oːˈtɔmətən/; plural: automata or automatons) is a relatively self-operating machine, or control mechanism designed to automatically follow a sequence of operations, or respond to predetermined instructions.
The word "automaton" is the latinization of the Ancient Greek αὐτόματον, automaton, (neuter) "acting of one's own will". This word was first used by Homer to describe an automatic door opening,[1] or automatic movement of wheeled tripods.[2]
Appearance[]
Automatons are made almost exclusively of metal (though this may just be because stone or clay constructs are more associated with golems). Common materials for an automaton include gold, silver, brass and bronze. Otherwise, automaton appearance can vary pretty greatly, due to culture, function, competency of the designer and numerous other factors. Some appear humanoid (like a member of a race common to the region where they will serve, or like a member of a race common to the region they come from); some appear robotic, such as clockwork and similar designs; some are animal (like the master's favorite animal, or like an animal indigenous to the area); some even resemble objects (such as the animated golden tripods that served the god Hephaestus on Olympus). They can also vary in size and numerous other properties. Not to mention, due to being constructs, they are highly customizable to provide upgrades, accessories, decoration and other things that personalize them to each individual owner/master.
In mythology[]
In ancient Egyptian legends, statues of divinities, mostly made of stone, metal or wood, were animated and played a key role in religious ceremonies. They were believed to have a soul (a kꜣ), derived from the divinity they represented. In the New Kingdom of Egypt, from the 16th century BC until the 11th century BC, ancient Egyptians would frequently consult these statues for advice. The statues would reply with a movement of the head. According to Egyptian lore, pharaoh Hatshepsut dispatched her squadron to the "Land of Incense" after consulting with the statue of Amun.
There are many examples of automata in Greek mythology, Hephaestus created automata for his workshop; Talos was an artificial man of bronze; King Alkinous of the Phaiakians employed gold and silver watchdogs.[3][4] According to Aristotle, Daedalus used quicksilver to make his wooden statue of Venus move. In other Greek legends he used quicksilver to install voice in his moving statues.
According to Jewish legend, King Solomon used his wisdom to design a throne with mechanical animals which hailed him as king when he ascended it; upon sitting down an eagle would place a crown upon his head, and a dove would bring him a Torah scroll. It is also said that when King Solomon stepped upon the throne, a mechanism was set in motion. As soon as he stepped upon the first step, a golden ox and a golden lion each stretched out one foot to support him and help him rise to the next step. On each side, the animals helped the King up until he was comfortably seated upon the throne.[5]
Known Automata[]
- ↑ Homer, Iliad, 5.749
- ↑ Homer, Iliad, 18.376
- ↑ Automotones - Theoi Project
- ↑ Hyginus. Astronomica 2.1
- ↑ King Solomon's Throne - www.chabad.org