Early forms of robots and autonomous technology
- The concept of robots and autonomous technologies has evolved over centuries.
- From simple mechanical devices to sophisticated machines capable of complex tasks.
Ancient and medieval automata
- Ancient Greece: The Antikythera mechanism (circa 100 BC) is an early example of a mechanical device used to predict astronomical positions.
- Medieval Islamic world: Engineers like Al-Jazari created water clocks and mechanical automata in the 12th century.
20th century innovations
- 1940s: The ENIAC computer, though not a robot, laid the groundwork for automation by performing calculations automatically.
- 1950s: The Unimate, the first industrial robot, was developed to perform repetitive tasks on assembly lines.
Investigate the concept of a "Turing Test" created by Alan Turing and evaluate its impact on the development of what we consider a robot.
Early autonomous technologies
- Automated looms: The Jacquard loom (1801) used punch cards to control weaving patterns, an early form of programmable automation.
- Self-regulating machines: The centrifugal governor (1788) by James Watt automatically controlled the speed of steam engines.
- How have robots evolved from early automata to modern machines?
- What ethical dilemmas arise from the development of autonomous technologies?
- How do robots impact industries and human interactions?
