Flashy type, perhaps, but technologically efficient (5)
I believe the answer is:
robot
'flashy type' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for robot that I've seen before include "programmed servant" , "Unpaid worker" , "Mechanical worker" , "Soulless worker" , "Mechanism that can move like a human" .)