The public flocked to see them and, although they are now a couple of hundred years old, the automata are so clever and beautiful, they are still hugely popular and admired. They were seen as status symbols, representative of humankind’s capacity for technical brilliance in an era that adored innovation. Like today’s robots, the 18th century automata were painstakingly developed, piece by piece, until they appeared to behave of their own accord. Cuckoo clocks are a simple example of automata, which use weights, gears and a pendulumĪutomata is another name for automated machines and in the 18th century ingenious inventors - who had a strong understanding of clockwork - created mostly mechanised dolls for the purpose of entertaining. The time was ripe for the Golden Age of Automata. Although computers and industrial robots that can pick, pack and assemble goods are commonplace these days, automated machines have been around since the invention of clockwork, where cogs and wheels could move pieces around, creating the basis of automation.īy the 18th century, clockwork could be spring-driven and pinned cylinders were being used to make music.Īristocratic audiences were keen for entertainment, and inventors wanted a way to showcase their skill.
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