# How George Devol Invented the First Industrial Robot Arm

> The 1954 patent for the Unimate, the first digitally controlled robotic arm that could be programmed to move objects in a factory.

- **Patent:** US 2988237
- **Original title:** Programmed article transfer
- **Owner:** Individual
- **Granted:** 1961
- **Status:** Public domain (expired)
- **Times cited:** 93
- **Field:** mechanical, automotive, consumer_electronics

## What it does

This patent describes a machine capable of moving objects between specific locations using a memory-based control system. It uses a series of commands stored on a magnetic drum to guide a mechanical arm through a sequence of positions. By recording the path once, the machine can repeat the movement indefinitely, replacing the need for manual labor in repetitive tasks like die-casting or welding.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover autonomous robots that use cameras or sensors to navigate changing environments.
- Does not cover software-based AI or machine learning algorithms for path planning.
- Does not cover non-programmable mechanical automation or fixed-track conveyor systems.

## The clever bit

Devol realized that instead of building a unique machine for every task, he could build a universal arm that only required a change in the stored magnetic program to perform a completely different job.

## Real-world examples

1. Unimate industrial robot
2. Automotive assembly line spot-welding arms
3. Modern pick-and-place manufacturing machines

## Why it matters

This patent marks the birth of modern industrial robotics. It laid the foundation for the Unimate robot, which General Motors deployed in 1961 to handle dangerous tasks in die-casting, effectively launching the era of automated manufacturing.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How George Devol Invented the First Industrial Robot Arm cover?

The 1954 patent for the Unimate, the first digitally controlled robotic arm that could be programmed to move objects in a factory.

### Who owns patent US 2988237?

Individual owns this patent, granted in 1961.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.

### What is patent US 2988237 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 93 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

This patent marks the birth of modern industrial robotics. It laid the foundation for the Unimate robot, which General Motors deployed in 1961 to handle dangerous tasks in die-casting, effectively launching the era of automated manufacturing.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover autonomous robots that use cameras or sensors to navigate changing environments.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2988237/unimate-industrial-robot-devol

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US2988237

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._


## Related patents

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- [How Douglas Engelbart Invented the Computer Mouse](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/3541541/computer-mouse-input-device) — The 1970 patent for the X-Y position indicator, better known as the computer mouse, which allowed users to move a cursor across a screen for the first time.
- [How Jacob Schick Invented the Modern Magazine-Loading Safety Razor](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/1721530/schick-repeating-razor) — A 1929 patent for a safety razor that uses a replaceable blade magazine, allowing users to change blades without touching the sharp edges.