Evolving Robot Toys
Tracing back to the early 17th century, one of the first who invented robot toys was a Frenchman named Jacques de Vaucanson. Using automation, he was able to make a mechanical duck that was capable of flapping its wings, eat grain and can even excrete. After the amazing invention, the Japanese took the limelight and still holds the most technologically advanced robots so far.
During the early 1930s, a humanoid robot was introduced by Westinghouse Electric Corp. it was called Elekro. England also contributed to the development of robot toys, William Grey Walter was able to develop the first electronic powered robot.
But during 1954 the world was fascinated with George Devol’s first programmable robot, which made a big leap from the previous models. Instead of being toys, the robots were used by General Motor Corporation for manufacturing car parts.
Today, Japan holds the title of inventing the most sophisticated robot toys. Sony introduced AIBO, the first robot dog that can play inside a room using sensors. In 2001 Omron in the hopes of beating AIBO developed its very own cat robot named NeCoRo. This robotic cat used the MaC technology or otherwise known as Mind and Consciousness Technology that enables the robot to develop its very own feelings. There is no telling what we should expect next.
