A look back over the years at the major stages of artificial intelligence design.

The concept of artificial intelligence is as old as the ancient Greeks and as new as the robotic rover currently probing the pinkish terrain of Mars, 352 million miles from Earth. In between have come "reasoning calculators," "analytical engines," and Leonardo da Vinci's walking lion. Modern AI began with the advent of the computer.

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3500 BC

Greek myths of Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths and artisans, include the notion of intelligent robots.

400 BC

Greek philosopher and mathematician Archytas builds a wooden pigeon whose movements are controlled by steam.

13th century

Spanish mystic and theologian Ramon Llull invents a mechanical device that tries to prove the veracity of ideas.

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AI through the ages