Okay, but that's not an automaton. Automatons are... autonomous. Clockwork automaton's are self-powered and self-controlling -- all the machinery is inside, no outside control/power required. If electricity is externally supplied I might be willing to accept it AS LONG AS the devise itself made all on/off power decisions....
THE OTHER MICHAEL, I don't know...some may disagree. Many motorized animated scenes are regarded as automata. Take for example the Chinese Magician Automaton performing the "transported lady" act. This piece, recently sold by Skinner Auctioneers, is driven by an electric motor. Many of the famous French automata makers made motorized automata -- often for window displays -- once electric motors became available. Regards, Dug North...