The Autons were metamorphic android robots, artificial life forms that were essentially life sized plastic dummies, animated by the Nestene Consciousness. Though they are not the only creations of the Nestene Consciousness, they were the most common and the most easily identifiable. The name came from "Auto Plastics", the company that was infiltrated by the Nestenes and subsequently manufactured their Auton shells. (DW: Spearhead from Space)
- Actually, the term "Auton" is used by characters to refer to the mannequins in the very first story featuring them, DW: Spearhead from Space. Although most of the Autons were not listed in the credits because they were viewed as "extras", the story DW: Terror of the Autons does list in the credits the characters of Auton Policeman, Auton Leader, and Auton Voice.
Biology
The typical Auton did 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 could be created, which looked and acted Human except for a slight sheen to the skin and a flat sounding voice. Autons could also copy specific individuals, though these copies were imperfect. When duplicated, the originals were 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 conceal deadly weapons within their hands, which can kill or vaporize their targets using psychic projections. (PDA: Synthespians™)
History
It is not known how long the Nestene Consciousness has been using Autons, however they were certainly in use by the first time the Nestene tried to invade Earth. This first invasion was co-ordinated by a Swarm Leader known as Channing. Taking over a plastics factory, Channing arranged for standard Autons to be mass-manufactured and placed in shops across Britain. Channing also obtained a contract from Madame Tussaud's to make plastic "waxworks" of key members of government and the military. The attack was co-ordinated first thing in the morning, when the Autons broke out of shops to attack key strategic positions whilst the facsimiles helped soften resistance. Unfortunately for the Autons, the Third Doctor and the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce had detected their base and rigged a device capable of destroying both Autons and the Nestene.
Some months later, the Nestene made an alliance with the Master. Although the Nestene did use standard Autons for this operation, the assault relied on deadly plastic daffodils, but was again foiled by the Third Doctor and UNIT. (DW: Spearhead from Space)
The Nestene also used Autons when they attempted to take over the New Earth Republic in the 12th Millennium AD. They used both standard and facsimile versions. (DW: Spearhead from Space)
After the Nestene's protein planets had been destroyed, arrived in 21st Century London and used standard Autons to attempt to conquer the planet. It was opposed by the Ninth Doctor. The Nestene created a facsimile in order to try to track down its opponent, but that facsimile was ultimately defeated, and the Doctor killed the Nestene using Anti-plastic, after which the Autons ceased to operate. (DW: Rose)
Behind the Scenes
- Autons were excellent trackers, as they could follow other creatures by their brain-wave patterns. (PDA: Synthespians™)
- The Autons featured in the BFA: Brave New Town
See also