Through its newest exhibition, “Life Imagined: The Art and Science of Automata,” Science Museum Oklahoma takes visitors on a whimsical tour of mechanical creations from 1850 to modern day. From the Greek word “automatos,” meaning “moves on its own,” automata are the first complex machines produced by man. Long before robots were the reality they are today, automata were created as an attempt to simulate nature and domesticate natural forces. These attempts to imitate life by mechanical means and the use of these principles have in turn resulted in the evolution of technology over centuries. From objects of entertainment and awe, automata became the foundation for advancements in industrial robotics.

“Life Imagined: The Art and Science of Automata” can be found at the SmART Space located on the second floor of Science Museum Oklahoma and is open until September 29, 2019. The gallery offers an unforgettable art experience and a unique perspective on the ever-present relationship between art and science.