I don't think its a machine. I like to believe its actually some sort of organism that Ben just has control over maybe.
Also want to share this site. It has one of the most detailed LOST theories I have yet to see. In terms of offering explanations for everything. It can be hard to wrap your brain around all the info though.
http://timelooptheory.com//the_timeline.htm
Heres a visual representation of what this guy is talking about
