The Autons are metamorphic android robots, artificial life forms that are essentially life sized plastic dummies, animated by the Nestene Consciousness. Though they are not the only creations of the Nestene, they are the most common and the most easily identifiable. The name comes from "Auto Plastics", the company that was infiltrated by the Nestenes and subsequently manufactured their Auton shells. (DW: Spearhead from Space)
Autons conceal deadly weapons within their hands, which can kill or vaporize their targets using psychic projections. (PDA: Synthespians™)
The typical Auton does not look particularly realistic, resembling a mannequin, being robotic in its movements and mute, although an Auton leader could speak in a robotic voice. (DW: Terror of the Autons) Despite their solid appearance, Autons can change the shape of their features and limbs. (DW: Rose) More sophisticated Autons can be created, which look and act human except for a slight sheen to the skin and a flat sounding voice. Autons can also copy specific individuals, though these copies are imperfect. When duplicated, the originals are kept alive to maintain the copy. Notable copies included Channing, who maintained the Nestenes' affair during their first attempted invasion of Earth. (DW: Spearhead from Space) Mickey Smith was also copied by the Nestene to act as an information gather on the affairs of the Doctor. (DW: Rose)
Autons are excellent trackers, as they can follow other creatures by their brain-wave patterns. (PDA: Synthespians™)
