Published on: January 31, 2025 / update from: January 31, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Would you have known it? When and who developed the first humanoid robot?
From myth to the machine: The fascinating story of the first humanoid robot
The first steps in the history of the humanoid robots
The question of the first humanoid robot leads us on a fascinating journey through the history of technology, imagination and the tireless human urge to reflect in mechanical engineering. While the term "robot" was only shaped in its modern form in the 20th century, the roots of the concept go back much further. It is therefore essential to distinguish between the first publicly presented humanoid robot and the diverse forerunners and development steps.
Elektro: A milestone of the 1939 world exhibition
It is true that Westinghouse set an impressive milestone at the World Exhibition in New York in 1939 with "Elektro". This colossus, over two meters tall, was not only a technical achievement of its time, but also a spectacular demonstration, which inspired the imagination of the audience. "Elektro" was more than just a mere machine; He embodied the emerging fascination for what seemed technically possible. He was able to move, albeit limited, speak a few sentences and even, in a rather symbolic gesture, "smoke" a cigar. These skills, as simply they may appear from today's perspective, catapulted him into the rank of one of the first popular humanoid robots and thus shaped the public perception of this field.
Mythology and early concepts in the history of the humanoid robot
However, "Elektro" was not the beginning of the history of the humanoid robot, but rather a striking point on a long line of development that extends to antiquity. Greek mythology was already rich in ideas of artificial people or machines that were often associated with divine powers or magical skills. These myths served not only the entertainment, but also as a reflection of human desires and fears regarding control and life itself. They illustrate that the idea of the human -like machine is not a product of the modern age, but is deeply rooted in our culture.
Leonardo da Vinci and the connection of technology and art
Over the centuries, attempts have always been made to put these ideas into reality. One of the first significant steps in this way was Leonardo da Vincis sketch of a simple machine in armor around 1495. Although these drawings were never implemented into an actual machine, they testify from Da Vinci's visionary thinking and its ability to combine technical and artistic ideas. In mechanics, he not only saw a craft, but a way to expand the limits of human work and to imitate life itself.
Jacques de Vaucanson and the mechanical flute player
Another milestone was the mechanical flute player of Jacques de Vaucanson in 1738. This complex miracle of mechanics was not only a technical masterpiece, but also proof that machines were able to reproduce highly complex activities. It was an early, albeit very rough form of automation and showed how far the mechanical art had already progressed in the 18th century. The flute was not only an entertainment object, but also an object of admiration and astonishment, which demonstrated the potential of the machines to imitate life.
Modern humanoid robots: from MM 7 to Wabot-1
The developments in robotics in the 20th century finally showed that dreams and concepts from the past accept tangible forms. While the Viennese Claus Scholz constructed a robot with the MM 7 in 1962, which already dominated more complex movements, the Japanese Waseda University in 1973 should take a decisive step towards developing modern humanoid robots with the Wabot-1. The Wabot-1 is considered the first modern humanoid robot, which not only had rudimentary movements, but was also able to process optical and acoustic information and to conduct simple communication with people. This set a new standard for robot development, which formed the basis for the following progress.
The path from "Elektro" to the current state of robotics
The journey from "Elektro" to Wabot-1 is proof of the ongoing human curiosity and the striving for progress. While "Elektro" attracted public attention and stimulated the imagination, developments such as MM 7 and Wabot-1 paved their way for the highly developed humanoid robots that we know today. It is important to emphasize that the development of humanoid robots is not an isolated exertion of a single person or institution, but rather a common undertaking of humanity, which always produces new innovations and progress.
A look at the history and future of humanoid robotics
The history of the humanoid robot is therefore not only a history of technology, but also a history of dreams, imagination and human desire to postpone the limits of the possible. It is a story that is far from over and will continue to confront us with exciting developments and new questions. Ultimately, the humanoid robot is more than just a machine - it is a reflection of our own humanity and our tireless striving for progress and knowledge. The question of who invented the "first" humanoid robot is therefore complex and complex, since there is not one moment of invention, but rather a continuous process of evolution and progress.
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