Automaton Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

History

• In the 18th century, inventors created mechanical toys and figures that stimulated the concept of automation.
• One of the most famous automatons is Jacques de Vaucanson’s 'Flute Player', built in 1737, which could play music and imitate complex movements.
• During the Industrial Revolution, automatons paved the way for modern robotics, driving the evolution of machines that perform tasks.

Pop Culture

• Automatons appear often in science fiction, representing the fusion of technology and humanity, like in films such as 'Blade Runner'.
• The steampunk genre embraces the concept of automatons, featuring intricate clockwork devices that evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder.
• Video games often showcase characters resembling automatons, exploring themes of consciousness and artificial intelligence.

Science

• In computer science, automaton theory laid foundation for understanding algorithms and computational processes.
• There are different types of automatons in mathematics, including finite automatons, which are models of computation.
• Research in fields like robotics and artificial intelligence continues to evolve from the concept of the automaton.

Literature

• Autonomous characters have often been depicted in literature, such as the golem from Jewish folklore, which is an early representation of artificial beings.
• In Karel Čapek's play 'R.U.R.', the term ‘robot’ was introduced, reflecting the fear and fascination around manufactured life-forms.
• Stories often explore the relationship between humans and automatons, questioning what it means to be 'alive' or 'conscious'.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the Greek word ‘automatos’, meaning 'self-acting' or 'self-moving'.
• The term has roots in ancient philosophies regarding the nature of life and machinery.
• It entered the English language in the early 18th century, reflecting emerging technology.

The term 'automaton' originated from ancient Greek mythology, where it referred to self-operating machines or beings capable of acting independently. In the modern context, the word has been adapted to describe various mechanical devices, especially in the fields of computer science and philosophy.

See also: automate, automobile, autonomy.

With rank #19,299, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 19296 ungodly
• 19297 axiomatic
• 19298 detachable
• 19299 automaton
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