'self-operating' originates from the combination of 'self,' meaning 'by oneself,' and 'operating,' derived from Latin 'operari,' meaning 'to work.'

'Self-operating' evolved from the concept of machines or systems that could function independently, a notion that gained prominence with technological advancements.

Initially, it referred to any mechanism that could function without direct human control, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.