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Chapter 23
Automata and
Formal Languages
e term automaton comes from the Greek word automatos meaning
an “autonomous apparatus.” In particular, an apparatus that looks like
a human being or an animal was called an automatos. A contemporary
robot can be considered an intelligent machine that has evolved through
along process from the ancient automatos.
23.1 AUTONOMOUS APPARATUS
e Greek scientist Heron Alexandria (c. 10–70) is a well-known inventor
of various automata. He taught mathematics, physics, and mechanics at the
Royal Museum of Alexandria. Some of his lecture notes still exist today.
Some of Heron’s autonomous apparatuses were o ...