Hero of Alexandria

In 350 B.C., mathematician and founding father of mechanics Archytas of Tarentum invented a wooden mechanical dove. “Archytas’ invention is often cited as the first robot, and, in light of recent technological advancements, perhaps we could even consider it to be the first drone; the very first machine capable of autonomous flight,” wrote Jimmy Stamp in a Smithsonian article.

In 350 B.C., mathematician and founding father of mechanics Archytas of Tarentum invented a wooden mechanical dove. “Archytas’ invention is often cited as the first robot, and, in light of recent technological advancements, perhaps we could even consider it to be the first drone; the very first machine capable of autonomous flight,” wrote Jimmy Stamp in a Smithsonian article.