Corvette
Is Automotive History just about cars? I don’t think so.
In the early 1950′s George developed a working prototype of an automated arm that could perform assembly type tasks. George along with Joseph F. Engelberger developed a partnership in 1954 that led to the universal automation Unimation Company. In 1964 Devol received his first patent for a robotic arm. George was also a team member who developed the first commercial use of a microwave oven.
Other technologies that George was involved in included magnetic recording systems that were purposed for controlling machinery along with a digital playback device. In around early 1950′s Devol licensed a digital magnetic recording device to Remington Rand and later became manager of their magnetics department. It was at this point along with the team George developed magnetic recording systems that apply to business data applications. Unfortunately at the time, the magnetic recording system was too slow for business data and the technology was repurposed for controlling a machine that eventually became the system that operated a robot.
Without adequate personal financial resources to develop this technology George searched for a company that had the financial ability to further develop his dream. Like many entrepreneurs, George had many conversations with several different major corporations in the US and through a family connection was introduced to Manning, Maxwell and Moore. The chief of engineering at Manning, Maxwell and Moore was Joseph F. Engelberger who ran the aircraft products division. Mr. Engelberger was very excited about this new technology and Devol agreed to license this technology to Manning Maxwell and Moore. About the same time Manning, Maxwell and Moore were acquired by Dresser Industries, Dresser at the time didn’t see the need for an aircraft division and its industrial robot technology and patent license. Subsequently, Engelberger searched for a partner to buyout the aircraft division and found one in Consolidated Diesel Electronics. Consolidated agreed to finance and continue the development on the robot, this new division was called Unimation Incorporated. This was the true beginning and the entrepreneurial effort along with corporate financing to develop what is today one of the most common pieces of equipment in any automated factory.
Robots today do many common and dangerous tasks such as handling of diecast metals, welding, painting, delivering of parts to assembly stations. Many of the day-to-day tasks robots handle are much too dangerous for humans due to the potential hazard nature.
In August of 2011 George Devol passed on at the age of 99, he will be remembered in automotive history for decades to come. George Devol was an American inventor, an entrepreneur, a self educated individual that sought the help of others to bring about a new American technology. In May of 2011 George Devol was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame.
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