A relatively self-operating machine, or control mechanism designed to automatically follow a sequence of operations, or respond to predetermined instructions.

The key difference between a robot and an automaton is the lack of a digital, code-based computing device in order to function. This term is best used for robotic entities that are clearly not digital in nature, operating through the use of steam power, clockwork magic, etc. Electronically-powered automatons do exist, such as conventional animatronics.