Milestones in Computer Science: From early computers to AI

  • Charles Babbage designs the Analytical Engine

    Charles Babbage designs the Analytical Engine

    Considered the first concept of a programmable computer. It included an arithmetic logic unit and memory. Ada Lovelace wrote notes for it - the first “computer program.”
  • Alan Turing defines the “Turing Machine”

    Alan Turing defines the “Turing Machine”

    Turing created a theoretical model of computation which formed the foundation for computer science and algorithms and inspired the idea that machines could simulate human reasoning. This was practically magical for the time.
  • Konrad Zuse builds the Z3

    Konrad Zuse builds the Z3

    The first programmable digital computer. It used electromechanical relays for calculations and was developed independently in Germany during WWII.
  • ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)

    ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)

    First general-purpose, fully electronic computer in the U.S. Used for military calculations and probably the best know of early computers. It weighed 30 tons and filled a large room.
  • Turing’s “Computing Machinery and Intelligence”

    Turing’s “Computing Machinery and Intelligence”

    Published the idea of the Turing Test for artificial intelligence. Turing's major thought was: can machines think? This laid the foundation for AI theory.
  • The Dartmouth Conference

    The Dartmouth Conference

    The birth of Artificial Intelligence as a research field. John McCarthy coined the term “Artificial Intelligence.” Early programs could play checkers and solve logic puzzles.
  • ARPANET Created

    The first version of the Internet. Connected four U.S. universities. Laid groundwork for modern networking.
  • Intel releases the first microprocessor

    Intel releases the first microprocessor

    Intel 4004: integrated all computing functions on one chip. Sparked the personal computer revolution.
  • The Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP)

    Standardized communication for all computers. The invention of TCP/IP was commonly referred to as the “birthday of the Internet."
  • The World Wide Web goes public

    The World Wide Web goes public

    Tim Berners-Lee created the first web browser and website. The Internet became accessible to the general public.
  • IBM’s Deep Blue defeats chess champion Garry Kasparov

    IBM’s Deep Blue defeats chess champion Garry Kasparov

    Major step in AI decision-making and computing power. Showed machines could outperform humans in specific tasks.
  • Rise of Smartphones

    Rise of Smartphones

    Apple introduced the iPhone, combining phone, Internet, and apps. Marked the shift to portable, everyday computing.
  • AlphaGo defeats Lee Sedol

    AlphaGo defeats Lee Sedol

    DeepMind’s AI beat a world champion in the game of Go. Demonstrated the power of deep learning and neural networks.
  • Generative AI revolution

    AI systems like ChatGPT, DALL·E, and Midjourney create human-like text and images. Raises new ethical and technological challenges.