The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word ROBOT
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
R
O
B
O
T
More clues leading to the result ROBOT
- Automaton, British in origin
- Cheat needing form of therapy — one is devoid of feelings
- Base installing British machine
- Billion invested in basic automatic device
- Automaton bowled boring captain of England
- Programmed factory worker to steal books
- Base installing second-class machine
- Steal books for mechanical man
- Bravo, smashing the basis for one threatening your job?
- Automated machine, British in origin
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Automaton" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case automaton = robot.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ROBOT mean?
ROBOT noun- A machine built to carry out some complex task or group of tasks by physically moving, especially one which can be programmed.
- An intelligent mechanical being designed to look like a human or other creature, and usually made from metal.
- A person who does not seem to have any emotions.
- A traffic light (from earlier robot policeman).
- A theodolite which follows the movements of a prism and can be used by a one-man crew.
- A style of dance popular in disco in which the dancer imitates the stiff movements of a stereotypical android robot.