Medieval Robots Created as Early as the 12th-Century! Here's What The Earliest Machines Could Do

Urian B., Tech Times 10 May 2021, 02:05 am

When it comes to ancient technology, it can be quite hard to imagine robots and machines that actually use electricity. Although the previous civilizations did not have electricity on their side, they were still able to use the technology present during that time to come up with early machines!

Medieval Robots and What They are Capable of

According to the story by National Geographic, imagine fountains that could actually be programmed to turn on and off, certain model of a particular Indian mahout (or driver) who struck the particular half hour on his own elephant's head, and the automatons in the particular form of servants that could actually get their guests a towel. When it comes to mechanical servants capable of getting towels, one can only think of robots!

These are actually some amazing inventions that existed as early as the 12th-century by the Muslim inventor known as Ismail al-Jazari. He reportedly laid down a huge chunk of the groundwork for today's hydraulics, engineering, and even robotics! Some of his lavish and colorful creations actually became novelty playthings for the few that were very wealthy.

Ismail al-Jazari, the 'Father of Robotics'

Al-Jazari also made some practical machines that were able to help the common folk which included some water-drawing devices for farmers to be used for centuries. Ismail al-Jazari was reportedly born back in 1136 in Diyarbakir which is currently known as Turkey. al-Jazari was reportedly a son of a typical craftsman and was born during political turmoil as the Crusades took effect.

An article by RobotShop called Ismail al-Jazari as the "father of robotics" which although not always recognized, is definitely a testament to how his early technologies were able to change lives and contribute to how robots work today. Although his technologies might not be used today, the foundations definitely have a significant influence on how current technologies work.

How Ancient Technology Influences Today

Ancient technology can be quite fascinating since it centers around how early technologies were invented and how out-of-the-box ways to automate the machines were found with the resources available during that time. Today, machines basically create more machines and people now have to simply engineer them and have them produced.

Back in the day, technology was usually handcrafted with the use of a few tools from the start. One thing that is exceptionally amazing about previous technologies is the hardcore use of mathematics. As of today, it might seem easier to measure things but in the past, one can only imagine how certain things were measured.

Automation did exist in the past with the right use of mathematics and engineering. Ismail al-Jazari was definitely one of the earlier names to contribute a great deal to today's technology especially when it came to robots. A video by Showcase details how his machines were able to influence the world of today. The technology he crafted to make robots during the early days still have their influence in the way technologies are made today.

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Written by Urian B.