The Story of
the Automaton

Putting It In Motion...

Learn More About
Automata & Motion

For Teachers

Curriculum
Resources

For Students
On-line Activities
Off-line Activities

For Reference
Internet Links
Bibliography

Additional History/Background
More interesting facts and bits of history about The Franklin Institute's automaton and other historical automata.
The Mechanics of Maillardet's Automaton
Read a brief description of how The Franklin Institute's Automaton operates.
Understanding Motion
Newton's Laws of Motion will help you understand mechanical movement.
Understanding Simple Machines
All mechanical systems are made from combinations of the six basic mechanisms. Learn more about them here.

"Lights, CAMS....Action!"
A complex set of cams control the "memory" of Mallidaret's Automaton. Learn more about cams and how they function here.

The World of Robotics
Did Maillardet's Automaton provide the inspiration for the robots of today?