What are automatons?
What are automatons?
First robots in history
From ancient times, people have used technology to make their lives easier or constructed complex systems only for amusement. From the quaint (like a toy model of the city's central square carousel) to the eerie (like a moving statue of an ancient Greek god), many societies have produced simulacra of the animals or objects in their surroundings.
In ancient Greece, skilled engineers produced mechanical maids pouring wine, pendulum-driven city wall clocks, metal flying doves, fountains with moving parts, and statues of mythological figures like Daedalus.
These figurines are arguably the first robots in history, however. However, they were primarily made for the amusement of the wealthy. These inventions were referred to as "automatons" or "automata" until the 20th century when Czech author Karel Čapek gave them the moniker "robots." Automatons are mechanical representations that replicate the motions of commonplace items or animals and carry out specific tasks.
Can you construct an automaton yourself? A 3D puzzle robot may be pieced together step-by-step with the Metal3dpuzzles Automatons collection. Smaller parts are combined to form larger blocks, such as a head, body, or limbs, which are then joined to construct the entire robot. Building the metal model will teach you the fundamentals of engineering and mechanical action, and you'll get to watch your automaton come to life with its remarkably realistic movements. As a co-creator, you contribute to giving a mechanical creation life.
Metal3dpuzzles produces mechanical construction sets and 3D metal puzzles that operate without energy or batteries. Our do-it-yourself kits transport you to a fascinating steampunk setting with the help of springs, gears, rubber bands, and gravity. The Metal3dpuzzles catalogue of 3D puzzles, do-it-yourself model kits, metal puzzle boxes, and STEM Lab model kits features over 100 models, including walkable and even running actual automatons and robots!
After viewing these incredible do-it-yourself models from our Metal3dpuzzles Automatons collection, choose one to build. Each model has special characteristics and capabilities.
Metal3dpuzzles automatons and robots
Windstorm Dragon
The Windstorm Dragon is one of our most well-known, magnificent, and enigmatic models. This fantastic creature captivates you immediately with its intimidating visage and enormous blue wings. Its lifelike movements also captivate your imagination. The open design of this metal automaton allows you to study every detail and see the mechanical heart of the creature pulsing inside.
The model's top five features are:
- A rubber band motor inside the dragon's chest powers the automaton.
- The dragon's body has laser-engraved scales.
- The feathery skin is composed of sturdy Tyvek, and the wing bones are composed of metal.
- Press the start/stop lever after repeatedly turning the key clockwise in its chest to move the dragon.
- The dragon can be set on a specific pedestal or hung from a string.
The Metal3dpuzzles Windstorm Dragon model kit contains 320 pieces. Building this incredible 3D puzzle takes an average of 6 hours.
Many kids have kept tiny goldfish in glass bowls with water, feeding them and replacing the water frequently. Presenting the Metal3dpuzzles Mechanical Aquarium, where a small seahorse hides from its mad neighbours while two automata tropical fish chase each other through an algae thicket!
The model's top five features are:
- The original Metal3dpuzzles model ran on a spring rather than a rubber motor.
- In a fluid, flowing underwater dance, fish and algae rotate in different directions and at varying rates.
- An inbuilt pendulum in the system allows for smooth and customizable movement.
- Flip the switch from STOP to SWIM after making roughly 25 half-turns on the ratchet knob beneath the model to start the aquarium.
- Algae and fish can be stopped at any moment throughout their 40-second movement.
The Metal3dpuzzles Mechanical Aquarium kit contains 325 parts. Assembling this entertaining and captivating 3D puzzle takes an average of 6 hours.
Hexapod Explorer
A hexapod is an organism with six legs (feet). In addition to a mechanical insect, Metal3dpuzzles engineers have developed a hypothetical robotic rover for space exploration. Hexapod Explorer is a 3D puzzle that can crawl, walk, or skitter up to 3 meters while navigating obstacles 1-2 cm high or uneven terrain. Additionally, it can frighten your friends, family, and pets!
The model's top five features are:
- A strong spring in the Hexapod allows for extended action and model life.
- The Hexapod does not have additional supporting wheels or stands, a typical drawback in earlier variants; it can only maintain its weight on its own six feet.
- Adjustable speed control that even allows you to change it while the Hexapod is in motion
- On its abdomen is a ratchet key used to wind the robotic Hexapod Explorer.
- The nimble Hexapod can go over uneven terrain and get past obstacles.
The robotic Metal3dpuzzles Hexapod Explorer do-it-yourself kit comes with 388 parts, and it takes roughly 8 hours to put this awesome 3D automaton together.
Metal3dpuzzles' construction sets, including automaton model kits, comprise premium natural metal composite. The components snap together to assemble; no glue or specialized tools are needed. Each Metal3dpuzzles 3D metal puzzle, robot, automaton, kinetic sculpture, puzzle box, and mechanical model has a distinct steampunk design.
The box includes everything you need to assemble it. The components are pre-cut with a laser and put into premium metal board, making assembly and removal simple. Every Metal3dpuzzles DIY kit includes step-by-step, illustrated instructions in eleven different languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese).
Our customer service representatives are available 24/7, and we are pleased to respond to your inquiries and provide free replacements for damaged components.
Metal3dpuzzles 3D construction sets are a great way to give something unique and kind to your friends, family, coworkers, or children's birthdays. Automatons have always been made to wow guests and any of these Metal3dpuzzles models will add flair to your business or home's interior design and be a surefire discussion starter.
Visit our online catalogue to learn more and view the fantastic selection of Metal3dpuzzles metal mechanical construction sets. Among the more than 100 models available, which range in ability level from Easy to Advanced, you're sure to find the ideal model for you or a buddy. If you or a loved one have never modelled before, don't panic; start with simpler kits and progress to more intricate ones.
Learning new things, picking up fascinating pastimes, and enjoying them with friends and family of all ages make life richer. Building Metal3dpuzzles DIY models is a fantastic and informative pastime across five continents and 85 nations.
Begin collecting Metal3dpuzzles automatons and other high-quality models right now!
