BBC NEWS In Depth Artificial intelligence

Early 16th Century Hans Bullmann creates the first androids - simulated people that can play musical instruments for the delight of paying customers. While training as a Jesuit, Jacques Vaucanson creates flying angels which cause him to be thrown out of the order. Five years later, funding is cancelled when the shortcomings of the machine become apparent. Academics start to concentrate on small, smart useful robots rather than simulated people. Genghis, one of the first walking robots created by the mobile robots lab at MIT, makes its debut.