Ancient Machinery Vs. Modern Machinery
The development of mechanical machinery dates back to the fourth century. A lot of basic scientific principles had to be developed and explained, along with trial and experimentation. The industrial revolution led to the development and improvement of machinery. It began in the United Kingdom in the eighteenth century and later spread to the USA and the rest of the world. But how does the machinery used in ancient times compare with modern machinery? Here is an exclusive look at ancient machinery vs. modern machinery.
Both Originate from The Same Concept
Modern machinery has its origin from machines made in ancient times. According to evidence found by archaeologists, all machines whether simple or complex, are built from the basis of six simple machines; wedge, inclined plane, pulley, axle, lever, wheel, and screw. The modern machinery was reinvented and reconstructed from the ancient machines. They gradually evolved and developed, increasing their efficiency.
Modern Machinery Are More Complex
Ancient machinery was simple and made from stone, plant fibers, animal bones, tusks wood, and metal. They did not need professional expertise to operate. Examples of ancient machinery include mills, lathes, ancient water wheels, chariots, ancient crossbow and others. On the other hand, modern machinery is made up of complex systems that consist of structural mechanisms and elements, control components, and interfaces for high convenience. They are made from light and solid materials from the advent of a multi helix cutter. Examples of modern machinery include vehicles, automobiles such as airplanes and boats, computers, robots, and factory automation systems.
Modern Machines Are More Efficient in Mass Production
Modern machinery, along with engineering, has turned various industries such as agriculture, infrastructure, and medicine to be more efficient in mass production. Ancient machinery required more effort and energy to operate that limited their efficiency. Today, modern machinery such as potato harvester, automatic milking machine and automatic row weeder can work more efficiently and quicker in thousands of hectares increasing mass food production all over the world.
More Pollution
Modern machinery has brought more and more pollution in water, soil, and air because of emitting harmful smoke and leaving poisonous residues. Most of the modern machinery are using fossil fuels such as petrol, diesel, and kerosene that burns out to release toxic chemicals, causing nature to deplete gradually. Although some companies have developed modern machines that are more eco-friendly so maybe we’ll be seeing more green in the future.
On the other hand, most of the ancient machinery used were hand and animal-driven and only used oil for lubrication. They caused minimum pollution if any.
Industrial revolution ensured the shift from handicraft and agrarian economies to the domination of the machine and industrial manufacturing industry. As stated above, it is the improved shortcomings of ancient machinery that has led to the development of more efficient, effective, quicker, and less labour intensive modern machines. Modern machinery has improved work performance, production of goods, and even how people relate to one another. However, they still have some shortcomings such as pollution and the need for professional labour.
written by Bailey Hudson
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