Robots have become an integral part of our lives today, from industrial robots in factories to personal assistant robots like Alexa in our homes. But who invented the very first robot? The history of robots goes back further than you might think.
The Concept of “Robots”
The word “robot” was first used in 1921 by the Czech writer Karel Čapek in his play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots). It comes from the Czech word “robota” meaning forced labor or serfdom. However, the concept of artificial beings created to serve humans goes back much further in human history.
Early Automatic Machines
The earliest automatic machines designed to move on their own date back to the 1st century CE. The Greek mathematician Hero of Alexandria designed several automated devices powered by steam, water, and air pressure. One of his inventions, the aeolipile, used steam to spin a sphere mounted on a water-filled vessel, essentially a primitive rocket engine.
In the 13th century, Ismail al-Jazari, a Muslim polymath, designed and built highly complex mechanical automata. One of his automata was a four-piece musical band of humanoid robots powered by water that could play interchangeable musical instruments.
Clockwork Automata in Europe
In Europe during the Renaissance and Enlightenment eras, clockwork mechanisms were used to build elaborate automated toys and humanoid machines. These were not true robots since they could only perform pre-programmed actions and movements.
Notable examples include:
- An android built by Albertus Magnus in the 13th century that could answer questions
- Elephant clock designed by Giovanni de Dondi in the 14th century
- Mechanical orchestra built by Hans Hautsch in the 16th century
- Digesting duck created by Jacques de Vaucanson in the 18th century
Industrial Robots
The first industrial robot was created by George Devol and Joe Engelberger in the 1950s. Called Unimate, it was installed at a General Motors plant in New Jersey in 1961. Unimate was programmed to lift and stack hot pieces of metal from a die casting machine.
After Unimate, robot use grew rapidly in other industrial applications like welding, painting, and assembly. Some key milestones include:
- 1954 – Devol files the first patent for a digitally operated programmable robotic arm.
- 1956 – Devol and Engelberger found the world’s first robot company, Unimation.
- 1961 – Unimate is installed at a GM factory, the first industrial robot.
- 1969 – Victor Scheinman at Stanford University designs the Stanford arm, an all-electric, 6-axis robotic arm.
- 1973 – The first robotic arc welding automation system is developed by Devol and Engelberger.
Mobile Robots
Mobile robots capable of moving around and navigating environments autonomously were also developed in the mid-to-late 20th century. Some key milestones in mobile robotics:
- 1953 – Walter created by William Grey Walter, one of the first electronic autonomous robots
- 1969 – Shakey the robot built by SRI International, capable of perceiving its surroundings
- 1984 – Sojourner rover deploys on Mars, the first robotic rover on another planet
- 1997 – NASA’s Pathfinder mission lands on Mars with the microrover Sojourner
- 2004 – NASA launches Spirit and Opportunity rovers to explore the surface of Mars
- 2012 – Curiosity rover lands on Mars equipped with advanced sensing and analysis tools
Humanoid Robots
Creating human-like robots has been a vision since ancient times. True anthropomorphic robots only became possible with progress in computing, sensors, and actuators in the late 20th century. Some breakthrough humanoids include:
- 1973 – WABOT-1 built at Waseda University, played organ music using artificial hands
- 1986 – Honda begins work on its humanoid robotics program to create robots capable of interacting with and working alongside humans
- 2000 – Honda unveils its first humanoid robot, ASIMO, designed to walk bipedally
- 2006 – iCub robot built with capacities for cognitive learning and human interaction
- 2007 – REEM-A bipedal robot developed by PAL Robotics in Spain
- 2011 – NASA and GM revealed Robonaut 2, designed to work side by side humans in space
Conclusion
The history of robots spans many centuries, from the ancient automatons of Hero of Alexandria to the highly advanced cognitive humanoids of today. While Czech writer Karel Čapek coined the word “robot” in 1921, robots entered the industrial workspace with George Devol and Joe Engelberger’s Unimate in 1961. Today, robots assist us in factories, homes, scientific explorations, and may someday accompany us on missions to other planets.