Since the birth of human civilization, the fascination for giving life to metallic beings has left a great question in the air: What was the first robot in history?
The history of technology and engineering is littered with great and incredible breakthroughs that have redefined the way society interacts with the world around them. One of the most amazing achievements in this evolutionary process is the creation of robots, machines that mimic or perform human tasks.
However, the starting point of this trajectory raises a big question: What was the first robot in history?
A walk through the history of the first automata and mechanical beings
The idea of creating machines that emulate human work is not at all a current idea. In ancient times, civilizations already dreamed of automatons and mechanical beings.
For example, in Greek mythology, the myth of Talos stands out as one of the first stories to refer to a mechanical figure. Talos, a bronze giant, was created by Hephaestus, the god of fire and metallurgy, to protect the island of Crete.
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On the other hand, in the Egyptian civilization, it is said that the pharaoh Saquara II (c. 2700 BC) possessed a mechanism that could open and close doors in his tombs. Likewise, in ancient China, alchemists developed small automata that could move, but their exact nature and purpose remain a mystery.
The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point in the history of technology and automation.. As machinery and mass production gained momentum, an interest in creating automated machines arose.
One of the most prominent names in this period is that of Jacques de Vaucanson, an 18th century French inventor. He designed famous automata, such as a mechanical duck that could move, eat and digest grain, and an automatic weaver that demonstrated the power of machinery in textile production.
The 20th century saw incredible advancement in technology and robotics, taking robot creation to a whole new level.. One of the most influential pioneers was the Czech writer Karel Čapek, who coined the word “robot” in his play RUR (Rossum Universal Robots) in 1920.
Although the robots in Čapek’s work were synthetic biological beings, the term became synonymous with autonomous machines in popular culture.
One name that comes up in this context is the Elektro, an iconic automaton created in 1939 by the Westinghouse Electric Corporation. Although often referred to as the “first robot”, Elektro was a large-scale creation that could move and talk, but was not programmed to perform tasks autonomously.
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Unimate: the pioneer of industrial automation
The first widely recognized electromechanical robot is Unimate. Developed in the 1950s by George Devol and Joseph Engelberger, this became the first computer-controlled, programmable electromechanical robot to be used on a production line.
The birth of Unimate dates back to the collaboration between Devol and Engelberger. Devol, an inventor and entrepreneur, patented the idea of a “programmed manipulator device” in 1954, laying the groundwork for the creation of industrial robots. On the other hand, Engelberger, an engineer and entrepreneur, recognized the potential of this invention and partnered with Devol to bring it to life.
The first challenge they faced was finding a viable industrial application for their creation. Eventually, they found a partner in General Motors (GM), which saw the potential of using robots for welding tasks on its car production line. In 1961, Unimate was installed at the GM plant in Ewing Township, New Jersey, marking a milestone in the history of automation.
Unimate was a large and heavy robot, with a robust structure that allowed it to carry out tasks of loading and unloading parts in a production line. This was programmed to perform precise and repetitive movements, which increased the efficiency and quality of the welding process.
Unsurprisingly, it had a transformative impact on the industry, enabling increased production and improved working conditions by reducing worker exposure to hazardous situations.
As Unimate’s success grew, more industries began to recognize the value of automation. The robot was soon in use in sectors such as food manufacturing, the plastics industry, and the production of electronics.
Its versatility and ability to perform precise and repetitive tasks they opened up a world of possibilities in mass production and quality improvement.
Devol and Engelberger’s work laid the foundation for a new era in manufacturing and technology, and their contribution was instrumental in paving the way for greater integration of robots into everyday life.