automatons

[/ˈɔːtəmətənz/]
nounpl: automatons (or automata)
autômatos
1. Mechanical devices or robots designed to operate automatically without direct human control
The factory uses automatons to perform repetitive assembly tasks.
A fábrica usa autômatos para realizar tarefas repetitivas de montagem.
2. People who act mechanically or without conscious thought; individuals who seem to lack independent will or emotion
The workers moved like automatons, repeating the same motions all day.
Os trabalhadores se movimentavam como autômatos, repetindo os mesmos movimentos o dia todo.
3. A self-operating machine or apparatus programmed to follow a specific sequence of operations
Ancient Greek engineers created elaborate automatons powered by water and gravity.
Os engenheiros gregos antigos criaram autômatos elaborados movidos por água e gravidade.
The term 'automatons' carries significant cultural weight in discussions about industrialization and dehumanization in both American and Brazilian contexts. It frequently appears in literature and social commentary about factory work, technology, and loss of individuality. In Brazil, the term is often used metaphorically to describe workers in repetitive jobs, while in the USA it's commonly used in science fiction and discussions about artificial intelligence.
NYC Slang
bots (informal, contemporary usage in tech contexts)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
robotsmachinesandroidsmechanical deviceszombies (figurative)
Antonyms / Antônimos
individualsfree agentsindependent thinkersautonomous beings

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
autômatos
Standard term used in technical and figurative contexts
São Paulo
autômatos
Commonly used in industrial and manufacturing discussions
Rio de Janeiro
autômatos
Standard usage, sometimes colloquially shortened to 'autôs'
Portugal
autômatos
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; formal and technical term

Related Words

automationautomaticautonomymechanicalroboticandroid

Related Idioms & Phrases

like an automaton (como um autômato) - to do something mechanically without thinking
automaton-like existence - uma existência mecânica sem propósito
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