It shows mechanical models that are able to behave in semi-intelligent ways.
Most modern slot machines are designed to look and feel like the old mechanical models, but they work on a completely different principle.
My usage however is more general than Turner's and depends on a mechanical model.
Anaximander was the first to conceive a mechanical model of the world.
Across the infield, the horses look like mechanical models.
When used to account for anthropological observation, it may become a series of mechanical and inflexible models.
So they weren't true robots, but just mechanical models.
In this period it was considered necessary to build mechanical models to demonstrate all scientific principles.
The mechanical model was the reference standard used.
Also, argument could be advanced that the use of a mechanical model may not have external validity when applied to human subjects.