Watch An MSU Professor Order Pizza By Computer In 1974
By Samantha Abernethy in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 22, 2013 8:15PM
In 1974, Michigan State University professor Donald Sherman ordered a pizza through the computer. Sure, it took four attempts to get the order right, but that's better than some drunk college kids do. Nowadays we can input a few items into an online form to pull off this trick, but this guy's process was a bit more complicated.
Sherman has Moebius syndrome, a facial paralysis that keeps him from closing his lips into a “b” or “p.” Fortunately this computer voice "Alexander" was able to pronounce "pepperoni pizza" on his behalf when he called up the local Domino's. MSU's Artificial Language Lab is responsible for several historic landmark advancements in artificial language technologies since this 1974 call. In its 37 years, the lab has done work with Voice Output Communication Aids, including wheelchair-portable, foot-controlled and Braille-based keyboard-controlled vocal aids.