Distinctive landmarks in the history of computing and engineering: the past, the present, and the future

Abstract

The history of computing cannot be discussed without acknowledging the engineering innovations that paved its way. Today, we carry more computing power in our pockets than it took to put a man on the moon. Across the world, ‘smart fever’ is on the rise, revealing our strong reliance on these smart devices. Designing such powerful devices would have been impossible, however, without an understanding of electricity and how it could be utilised to provide both power and control. This article highlights some key engineering innovations and the brilliant minds behind them. We trace the transformative journey of these concepts through the timeline of technology, from their humble beginnings as mere calculation machines to the powerful smart devices we rely on today.