Emotional and Affective Computing Timeline

3.39 million BCE - Hominids develop basic cutting tools

339 BCE

Yonck believes that the first hominids began to constructing basic tools via stone knapping, a process of striking two stones together to produce a desired shape. This served to protect them from predators, hunt large animals, and obtain as much meat as possible from the carcasses. This early technology is passed down from generation to generation and developed extremely slowly. Over long stretches of time, this process of knapping built more neural connections, increasing their intellect.

200,000-250,000 BCE - Early Forms of Communication

221 BCE

Early humans begin to communicate using intricate sounds, different from other primates. The refined formation of the hyoid bone enabled early humans to create these sounds. Yonck believes that our early forms of communication were brought on by our ancestors' increased formation of neural pathways, a result of the knapping process aiding brain development.

1950s -Advancements of AI - https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/the-history-of-ai/

1956

Artificial intelligence research is funded by government money. The first AI programs and programming languages are developed following the Dartmouth Conference. This conference brought together many scientists and innovators in the field tasked with advancing the creation of intelligent machines. Despite breakthroughs such as the making of Perceptron, an AI that could mimic brain function, progress was slow for AI developers, and eventually government investment is cut off in the 1970s.

Mid 1990s - Integration of Office Assistant

1990

Microsoft develops an interface technology for users of Office for Windows. This interface, Office Assistant, is able to interact with it's users based on their input. This interface, commonly expressed as a animated paper clip called Clippet, was advanced technologically of its time. However, it would offer feedback too often, and unable to perceive the user's negative emotions and frustrations, this interface was extremely hated by Microsoft users and eventually discontinued by Microsoft.

2035 CE - Utilization of AI and Space Travel

2035

At this point in time, I predict that everyone will be using generative AI to complete tasks. I predict that in this point in time, space travel will be more normalized, and that it will not be uncommon to meet someone who has gone to space. I think that quantum computing will be quite advanced at this point, with many online accounts becoming quantum encrypted for safety. I think that significant advancements will be made in developing robots that feel emotions like we do.

3025 CE - Equality with Affective Robots

3025

By the year 3025, I predict that humans will have begun colonizing mars and possibly the moon. I predict that by this time, everyone who has wanted to go to space will have gone with the future's advanced rockets and lower costs of space travel. I believe that robots will have become so advanced that they fully possess their own emotions, and will be seen as equals with humans. I wouldn't be surprised to even see a robot attack on humanity with their developed emotions and newfound motives.