Predecessors of Siri

The speaking machine, which the Habsburg official Wolfgang von Kempelen unveiled at the end of the 18th century, is the oldest known device capable of producing entire words. The speech-generating device based on Kempelen’s principle at the Deutsches Museum is the oldest surviving device of its kind in the world. Alexander Steinbeißer explains its design and history and demonstrates its range of functions using a faithful replica he built himself. In doing so, he also celebrates the publication of Kempelen’s book *Mechanismus der menschlichen Language(The Mechanism of Language), which appeared in Vienna 135 years ago, in 1791.

Participation is included in the museum admission fee.

Exhibition , Room B, Level 1