The history of automatons, or self-operating machines, dates back to ancient times. One of the earliest known examples of an automaton is the mythical figure of Pygmalion's statue, which was said to have been brought to life by the Greek god Zeus. In the ancient world, automatons were also used as tools for entertainment, with examples such as the hydraulic singing birds of ancient Rome and the mechanical puppets of ancient China.
In the Middle Ages, automatons were used in clock towers and other public places to mark the passing of time and to entertain the public. Some of these automatons were quite elaborate, with moving parts and mechanical functions that were powered by water or weights.
During the Enlightenment period of the 18th century, automatons became more sophisticated and were used to demonstrate scientific principles and innovations. In the 19th and 20th centuries, advances in technology and more...
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