In 1939, mathematics and physics professor John Vincent Atanasoff designed an electronic and digital computer in an effort to solve complex linear systems of equations by machine. Together with his assistant, student Clifford Berry, Atanasoff constructed this computer at Iowa State College between 1939 and 1942.

The Atanasoff Berry Computer, ABC for short, is a computer based on electron tubes for solving linear systems of equations. Atanasoff developed an elimination algorithm based on the conventional Gaussian method, which could solve a system of equations with up to 29 equations and 29 unknowns by successive addition, subtraction and shifting of digits. The computer uses binary arithmetic, which was technically implemented in the form of electronic circuits with the help of logical operations. Particularly significant was the invention of the regenerative drum memory, which was the first efficient way of storing large amounts of data thanks to the use of inexpensive capacitors.

Atanasoff and Berry had to leave the fully functional ABC behind at Iowa State College in 1942, after the beginning of the Second World War. A few years later, the computer was dismantled and disposed of during remodeling work at the university, which is why only a few original components were preserved. Due to an incomplete patent application, the ABC was not considered the world's first electronic computer for a long time: it was not until a court case in the USA in 1973 that this title was retroactively awarded to the ABC.

In 1997, a team of researchers led by John Gustafson at the Ames Laboratory of today's Iowa State University produced a functional and faithful replica of the computer, which is now housed in the Computer History Museum in California. To protect the sensitive electronics, however, the replica is no longer in operation. In order to provide an insight into how the computer works, the Arithmeum created a 3D animation video on the structure and operation of the Atanasoff Berry computer using Blender graphics software. This film was made by computer science student Farima Fischer as part of her bachelor's thesis for the lecture series “History of Mechanical Computing” with Professor Dr. Ina Prinz and offers a comprehensive overview of the computer and its inventors.

You can delve into the depths of the early days of computer development for the first time and follow them in detail. We hope you enjoy it!