Automaton

Automatons was early robots.

Those are examples of automatons made in 18th century and late 17th century.

First example is boy writer made by clockmaker Jaquet Droz in 18th century. This example is made so that every letter can be changed in mechanism so that boy can write different words, it menas any word can be written. This is like early type of programing.

Other example is from late 17th century. This is boy writer, but his writing is simplified and it letters can not be changed in mechanism. He can also draw.  

Whole system of those robots are based on development of technology of mechanical clocks. Mechanical clocks are invented in Europe in Middle Ages, it is hard to determine exact date. 

Some types of mechanical clocks appear also in China. 

In Middle Agesm in Europe appear from High Middle Ages clocks on towers. Also there also appears automatons in clocks. It was type of robots in clocks who made some moves when time is counted down. 

Some sophisticated automatons is mentioned at the Boukoleon palace in Constantinople in Middle Ages.