Calling Automator scripts/actions/etc from within Java

I'm a brand new Apple/Mac user as of about a week ago, but I have some interest in working on a project that will allow me to interact with my computer via an external device I'm planning on creating..

Anyway, I just want to know if you can call automator "scripts" (or whatever they are called) from within Java..

Or, is there a pretty good (but simple) API available for folks wanting to write up their own (somewhat simple) applications?

Thanks for any help!