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The first microprocessor, the 4004
Intel's first microprocessor, the 4004, was thought up by Ted Hoff and Stanley Mazor. They managed to cram 2300 transistors into a 16 pin package. There are other examples that can be argued as being the first MPUs (microprocessor units) but it is generally agreed that the 4004 was the first commercially accessible MPU at a cost of around 60 dollars. (https://www.computerhistory.org/siliconengine/microprocessor-integrates-cpu-function-onto-a-single-chip/) -
901B Calculator
This was the first "cigarette pack" sized calculator that was commercially available and made by Bomar. It the smallest but it was also one of the most affordable models. The integrated circuit and keypad were made by TI, who at the time solely made parts and was not a rival calculator manufacturer. This tied directly into the invention of the MPU, as it let the calculator be the size it was.
http://www.vintagecalculators.com/html/history_of_electronic_calculators.html -
C programming language
Between 1972 and 1973 Dennis Ritchie invented the general purpose programming language C to develop utilities on Unix systems. It allowed multiple assignments to be performed by each line of code and allowed for relative flexibility in programming with phrases like If/else, do when, and the likes. It is still one of the primary coding languages used today. -
Apple II
One of the first highly successful mass produced microcomputer. They first went on sale in 1977, with years of development and research leading up the that historic release. It was styled after kitchen appliances, meant to be sleek and home friendly. It was an 8 bit computer, with today's being 512 bit, that was a massive breakthrough in personal computing. It let the average person own a personal computer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_II -
The Stanford Cart
This was basically the first operational AI. It used a computer program and based its movements on TV screens that allowed it to change its path based on obstacles that it discovered in its way. It was hardly a speedster, moving 1 meter every 10-15 minutes but with the processing power available at the time this was amazing that it succeeded at all. It worked slowly, but successfully crossed a room full of chairs in 1979 on its own.
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4613-8997-2_30
