History of Robots

Posted by on Sep 22, 2011 in Awesome, Featured | 39 comments

The origins of robots can be traced as far back as ancient myths and legends from Greece and China. Modern robotic concepts seemed to emerge when the Industrial Revolution began, bringing with it the use of more complex mechanics.  The later introduction of electricity then made it possible to power machines with compact motors that were small enough to fit into enclosures. The modern concept of a humanoid machine was developed in the mid 20th Century, and was formed well enough to envisage man sized robots with the capacity for human thoughts and motions.  Prior to this time, it was just a vague daydream of an idea.  Finally, industrial robots are prevalent in current manufacturing and can also be used in medical environments.  

This infographic traces back the history of robotics in a way that is fun to read and look at.  Perhaps you can find some interesting links in the distant past to the robotics that are all around us in today’s world.  To me, it is fascinating that people so long ago could envision something that has only recently begun to take shape and become reality.  Click on the graphic to see it full size.