Automata are self-operating machines or systems that follow a predetermined set of rules or instructions. They can be simple, like a mechanical toy that moves in a specific way, or complex, like computer programs that simulate human behavior. The study of automata is important in fields such as computer science, robotics, and artificial intelligence. In mathematics, automata theory explores how these systems can be used to model computation and processes. This includes concepts like finite automata, which recognize patterns, and Turing machines, which are theoretical models of computation. Understanding automata helps in designing algorithms and understanding the limits of what can be computed.