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Mar 1, 1088
Su Sung's Cosmic Engine
The Cosmic Engine Su Sung creates an ancient astronomical clock in 1088. The "clock" was five stories tall and was able to calculate time; weeks, months, seasons, days, minutes, hours, etc. It was destroyed in the 11th Century by enemies of the Sung Dynasty. -
Jan 1, 1160
Al-Jazari's Programmable Robot
Al-Jazari's Robot Al-Jazari, an Islamic engineer known as the Da Vinci of his time, creates the world's first programmable humanoid robot. He also creates a variety of different automata that can play music, row boats and do other differen labor tasks. -
Jan 1, 1495
Leonardo's Armored Knight
MegaGiant Robotics Leonardo Da Vinci creates a humanoid robot that resembles a human knight. It is designed to imitate human movement as if an actual person was inside. Copies are made to amuse royal courts in medieval times. -
Period: Jan 1, 1500 to
16th-19th century
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Jan 11, 1533
The Calculating Clock of Wilhelm Schickard
History of Computers Wilhelm Schickard creates a clock that can help in calculations; however, only one prototype is ever created although it is extremely successful. Colleagues place orders for them but never receieve them. -
John Kay's Flying Shuttle
Flying Shuttle-John Kay John Kay creates an improved version of the loom that is now able to be operated by a single weaver and works more efficiently. It will pave the way for mechanical electric looms in the future. -
Jacques De Vaucanson's Robots
Jacques De Vaucanson creates three different automated machines, or robots, designed to prove the possibility of imitatng living anatomy with inanimate objects. The most famous of these is his "duck", which can eat and breath. -
Richard Arkwright's Water Powered Weaving Machine
Richard Arkwright Richard Arkwright creates a water-powered weaving machine. This machine, and the factory which produces goods created from it, help start the Industrial Revolution. -
Tanaka's Mechanical Automata
Science between Europe and Asia Hisashige Tanaka creates mechanical robots such a teacup-carrying doll, a robot that shows arrows and others. An exhibiton is created to showcase the work he has done, and it is well receieved. -
Nikola Tesla's RC Boat
Nikola Tesla creates the first instance of a remote-controlled object, in this case a small minature boat. This will be the first of many RC vehicles which will become common as toys for children in the future. -
Period: to
20th Century
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Ford's Automated Factories
Inventors Robotics Henry Ford installs automated conveyor builts and assembly lines in his factories. Model Ts take nearly half the time they used to need to be created and ready for sale. -
Isaac Asimov's Laws of Robotics
MegaGiant Robotics Isaac Asimov begins writing short stories about robots and becomes credited with the term "Robotics." He coins the fictional Three Laws of Robotics, which talk about what a robot may or may not do concerning humans. -
The World's First Robot Company
Inventors Robotics The world's first robotics company is formed in 1956 by George Devol and Joseph Engelberger. One of their earliest creations is Squee, an electronic squirrel. -
The Rancho Arm
Inventors About The Rancho Arm is created with the intention of helping handi-caps with disability issues. It is the first robotic arm to ever be created and has full flexibility like a real human arm. -
ASIMO
Honda debuts ASIMO, a walking humanoid robot who can perform basic human functions. It is the first robotic icon of the next millenium and is considered important to furthering robotic technology. -
Period: to
20th Century-2012
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Predator Drone
Airforce Technology General Atomics creates the first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, or UAV, and names it the Predator Drone. This robot is able to perform reconnaissance missions and open fire on targets at will or be controlled by a military handler. -
TOMY's I-Sobot
TOMY's I-Sobot TOMY creates I-Sobot, the world's smallest humanoid form robot in existence. It is only 165 mm tall fully functional by virtue of 17 custom-created servo-motors. It is labeled the world's smallest robot by Guinness World Records. -
Robonaut 2
Robonaut Hpme NASA Johnson Space Center creates Robonaut, a humanoid robot that can assist astronauts in space operations and perform operations much too dangerous for a human. Currently there are four working models, with more under construction. -
Canadarm 2
Canadarm 2 NASA creates Canadarm 2, a more intelligent and powerful version of the robotic arm used on space shuttles. The arm is able to perform a myriad number of tasks in space, such as fixing solar panels and moving modules, etc. -
The Caliph's Silver Tree
History of Robots Caliph Al-Mammon has a silver and gold tree created for him which is placed in a garden at his palace. The tree had metal birds which could shake their wings. A second tree is created later on which has birds who can sing as well. -
Heron of Alexandria
The Hero of Alexandria Heron of Alexandria creates robots that are used in theatrical performances and during religious ceremonies. His robots are also used to open gates using hydraulic equipment. -
Period: to Dec 31, 1499
1AD -15th Century
