Ismail al-Jazari and His Medieval Robots: Here's What These 12th-Century Machines Do

A Turkish inventor and scholar produced a remarkable collection of robots, clocks, and robot clocks. What is more impressive is the fact that he produced the majority of them in the 12th century.

During his time there, he invented a slew of devices that revolutionized mechanical engineering, including a mechanical waitress who served drinks and a band of robot musicians who entertained visitors by playing their instruments on a palace lake.

Atlas Obscura said while these innovations can seem insignificant today, their impact on engineering is undeniable due to their intricate mechanisms and design principles.

Medieval Robots: What Are They Capable Of?

Imagine fountains that could be programmed to turn on and off, a specific model of an Indian mahout (or driver) who struck the half-hour on his own elephant's head, and automatons in the form of servants who could actually get their guests a towel, National Geographic wrote. Robots come to mind when it comes to mechanical servants who can fetch towels.

There are some incredible discoveries made by a Muslim inventor named Ismail al-Jazari as early as the 12th century. He is said to have laid a large portion of the foundation for today's hydraulics, engineering, and even robotics! Any of his extravagant and vibrant designs were turned into novelty playthings for the affluent few.

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Father of Robotics: Who is Ismail al-Jazari?

Al-Jazari created some useful machines for the common people, such as water-drawing devices for farmers that have been in use for centuries. Ismail al-Jazari is said to have been born in 1136 in Diyarbakir, which is now Turkey. Al-Jazari was said to be the son of a common craftsman who was born during the Crusades' political turmoil.

Ismail al-Jazari was dubbed the "Father of Robotics" in a RobotShop article. His work is a testament to how his early inventions were able to transform lives and lead to how robots function today. While his inventions are no longer in use, his foundations have had a profound impact on how existing technologies operate.

How Ismail al-Jazari's Ancient Technology Influence The World Today

National Geographic said most of his inventions were centuries ahead of European science's achievements. Leonardo da Vinci, who was also allegedly intrigued by al-automatons, Jazari's first described his work on conical valves-a key component in hydraulic engineering-in Europe more than two centuries later.

Al-name Jazari's is still revered by science historians today. The value of al-work Jazari's "is difficult to over-emphasize," said Donald R. Hill, an engineer and technology historian who translated The Book of Knowledge in 1974. He has been dubbed the "Leonardo da Vinci of the East" as the founder of robotics, but this is a misnomer in several respects. It may be more apt to refer to Leonardo as the "West's al-Jazari."