Wonder, Sorcery, and Technology: Contribute to the History of Medieval Robotics

Abstract

The paper considers some Medieval sources about imagined or actually studied automata, to make a contribution to the reconstruction of the cultural landscape of a period that, from the technological point of view, is commonly regarded as less interesting than others. It will be shown that the idea of an automatic device or system, capable of performing not necessarily simple tasks, of measuring its own state and of taking action based on it, was well established in the Medieval mind, even though sometimes connected with magic.

Towards Machine Independence: From Mechanically Programmed Devices to the Internet of Things

“…There are many early examples of automation intended for amusement and awe rather than with some practical function. An early example was a mechanical theatre that performed a play, almost ten minutes in length, invented by Hero of Alexandria (c10-70 AD) and powered by a complex system of ropes and machines operated by a rotating cylindrical cogwheel that produced the sound of thunder by use of metal balls dropped onto a hidden drum and mechanically-timed [2]. It could be argued that this involved an early example of programming [6].…”

“…It could be argued that this involved an early example of programming [6]. Another early example appears in the way that a 10 th century Byzantine emperor impressed barbarians at his court by the presence of automata including lions roaring on either side of his throne, and birds resting on the surrounding trees singing harmoniously [2]. To the naïve observer in his court these would have been seen as rather magical and to have been operating independently.…”

“…The paper uses examples of various technologies 1 to show an historical trend towards machines capable of self-operation, self-control and self-maintenance, and machines potentially able to set their own agendas and purposes. It begins with mechanically programmed devices such as court automata from the 10 th century intended to inspire amusement and awe [2], continues through various items of computing technology and the Internet and ends with the Internet of Things.…”