Howard Aiken: The Harvard Scientist Who Built the World’s First Programmable Computer

Do you know who was the mastermind behind the first programmable computer in the 1940s? Meet Howard Aiken, the mathematical genius who worked for Harvard University and blazed a trail for computer innovation and engineering.

At the start of the 20th-century, Aiken was born in Indiana and raised in St. Joseph, Missouri. Growing up, he was an exceptional student who always stood out both academically and socially with his unusual level of intelligence. After eventualy graduating school, Aiken pursued his interest in mathematics and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he obtained a degree in chemical engineering.

Following his undergraduate studies, Aiken moved to Harvard to obtain a Master's degree, a reward that solidified his opportunity to work in the laboratories of the prestigious school. As a Ph.D. student in the early 1930s, Aiken's work focused on the numerical solutions for linear calculations using mathematical solutions which were in use at the time. From here, Aiken designed IBM's first electromagnetic programmable calculator - the Mark I Automated Calculator.

The Mark I was a modern-day miracle for performing calculations for scientific and engineering reasons. In contrast to previous calculators, the Mark I allowed mathematical instructions to be fed into the machine before it started its calculations; unlike any machine prior. Aiken's Mark I was revolutionary in that it could solve complex equations and solve them way faster than any human could. The engineering and mathematics that went into the manufacturing of the machine were incredible. What's even more amazing is that the Aiken was able to accomplish it alone, with support from IBM and other Harvard academics.

As the world prepares to enter a new era of information technology and computer engineering, it is important to remember where the roots of our modern computing system comes from and acknowledge the pioneers who created the technology we use today. Howard Aiken is one of those pioneers and his influence on computing technology is still present today. Not only was he a brilliant scientist, but he also pushed mankind forward into a new realm of modern engineering: computers.

Aiken not only pushed the limits of computing power with the Mark I but later went on to create the Harvard Mark II; an even later version of the Mark I which could solve even more complex equations and still had the ability to use mathematical instructions to do so. These two monumental machines from the 1940s paved the way for future computing and today, the world of information technology is still benefiting from Aiken's genius.

In fact, Aiken's legacy still lives on in the form of sophisticated applications which have all been built upon the foundation of the ideas Aiken set out all those years ago. From massive computers run by governments, to the latest mobile phone, his influence lives on, pushing the limits of computing power.

So, who was Howard Aiken and why is he so important when it comes to computing? He was a highly influential figure in the world of science and engineering who singlehandedly built the Mark I and Mark II cycles which were the first of their kind and paved the way for all our modern computing systems. He is, without a doubt, a true hero of technology!