Jacques de Vaucanson
French engineer and inventor of automata
Born
February 24th, 1709
316 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1782
242 years ago — 73 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
France
Links & References
Developed innovative mechanical devices that mimicked human and animal actions. Created the first known automated flute player, a remarkable feat of engineering that amazed audiences. Designed a mechanical duck that could flap its wings, drink water, and digest food, serving as an early example of artificial life. Contributed to the fields of automation and robotics, influencing future generations of engineers and inventors.
Invented a mechanical flute player
Created a mechanical duck that simulated digestion
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