Popular culture seems to think the concept of robots began around the time of Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics, published in 1942.
But a dive into the history of robots—loosely defined in this context as a machine capable of carrying out a pre-defined set of actions automatically—dates back hundreds of years before Asimov.
A recent article dives into this history in Turns Out, Japan Had “Robots” All The Way Back In The 1600s.
The writer takes a look at karakuri Japanese mechanical dolls. These dolls use techniques similar to those used in the elaborate creations of European clock makers to perform a sequence of actions.
The origins of these dolls date back even further. An article by Japan Travel claims Karakuri have been in existence since 658 BCE. Even back then, these robots were cutting-edge.
There are three classifications of Karakuri, with the best known creations classified as Zashiki Karakuri. These were automated domestic servants, including ones that could serve tea to guests.
Another well-known creation was the Yumihiki Doji; AKA the archer doll. This doll would pick up a miniature arrow, load it into a bow, and fire it at a target. It had an accuracy of hitting the target 90% of the time.
It’s no wonder that in this modern era of robotics, Japan continues to lead the way, building on the country’s heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Japanese Karakuri, circa 1800. (by PHGCOM via Wikimedia)
