The best Tech inventions of all time 5: Awesome machines

In this series we take a look at everything, large and small, that has changed the way we do things and enhanced our lives in some way. In part three we take a look at advancements in machinery that have helped us to be more productive in everything we do.

ATM

The first ATM (Automated Teller Machine) was installed in New York in 1961 but was removed after six months due to lack of use. They became popular in the late 1960s and now number over three million worldwide.

Automatic kettle

We no longer need to heat water on the stove top and wait for it to boil. All we need to do is plug the automatic kettle into the electricity point, click the switch and return later to just boiled water. Perfect for a lovely cup of tea.

Vacuum cleaner

This machine uses a partial vacuum to suck up dirt from the floor. Invented, in 1901 it meant no more rug beating and floor sweeping for the housewife.

Mechanical clock

Being able to accurately tell the time to the nearest second has revolutionised transport and our knowledge of the heavens. Getting all of those cogs into the clock and achieving this feat is very cool indeed.

Spinning wheel

The spinning wheel mechanised hand spinning of fibres with a spindle, producing yarn much more quickly which could be woven into thread. Imagine weaving all of the threads in your t-shirt by hand spinning.

Linotype machine

Linotype machines revolutionised printing. Up to 90 characters were typed onto a keyboard which set the letters in a line. Hence the term "line-o-type". Before linotype, newspapers were limited to eight pages.

Phonograph

Phonographs enabled you to wind a handle to record or playback sound, initially from a cylinder with grooves engraved on a spiral. Cylinders evolved into records played on gramophones, before record players appeared.

Washing machine

A relatively recent invention, automatic washing machines started to appear in households in the early 20th century. It reduced women's workloads so much that women could go out to work.

Microwave oven

The microwave oven became popular in households in the 1970s. Convenience food means that the counter top oven is regularly used to reheat foods.

Lawnmower

Before the lawnmower was invented in 1830, grass was cut by scythe. Powered lawnmowers did not appear until the 1850s. Look out at your lawn and give thanks that you no longer have to scythe it.

Torpedo

A self-propelled weapon with an explosive warhead that can get to its destination underwater and explode on contact, or near to the target. Destructive, but an amazing machine.

Plow

The plow, or plough represents one of the major advances in agriculture. Initially human powered animals were used to turn over more soil, followed by machines. Digging over a field by hand must have been back breaking work.