For thousands of years, humans have engaged in the act of writing by hand. Dating back to prehistoric eras, individuals have utilized various implements to inscribe onto stone, mold into clay, and pen on parchment and paper in order to communicate, transact, and compose personal messages.
However, with computers now performing the task and the standardization of typewritten text, there is a loss of the unique and personal touch of a handwritten message or correspondence.
Hand-writing robots
Recently, the act of letter writing, which was previously seen as outdated, has regained popularity. This is due to the emergence of AI-powered robots that are capable of producing handwritten notes in the sender’s personal handwriting.
A personalized letter is written by a robotic arm from Handwrytten, catering to the communication needs of a business client trying to strengthen their relationship with customers.
“Receiving a handwritten note appeals not only to your eyes, but the feel as well,” said
The CEO and creator of Handwrytten, David Wachs, believes that what was once considered outdated is now back in style.
Reworded: The primary customers of the company based in Phoenix are enterprises who utilize handwritten letters and thank you notes produced by their team of robots, in order to forge deeper and more individualized connections with their clients. Wachs states that these clients value this approach.
He states that a significant portion of their organization’s focus is on assisting nonprofits in maintaining a steady flow of donations.
According to Wachs, several non-profit organizations struggle to convert one-time donors into recurring donors due to a lack of appreciation shown towards the contributors.
They assist nonprofit organizations in connecting with others in a more personal manner by providing handwritten letters.
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The pastime of a president is
Automated letter writing isn’t a new phenomenon. Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President, was a huge fan and prolific user of the Polygraph — a machine created by British inventor John Isaac Hawkins. Jefferson considered the device the greatest invention of his time as it allowed him to make duplicates of his letters to keep for his own records.
In 1808, John Isaac Hawkins, an inventor from Britain, gifted President Thomas Jefferson with the Polygraph machine #57 as the president was getting ready to depart Washington permanently. The original letters penned by Jefferson and their duplicates may appear indistinguishable at times.
Charles Morrill, a professional woodworker and expert in polygraphs, states that when Benjamin Henry Latrobe, one of the architects involved in designing the U.S. Capitol, presented the device to President Jefferson, he was instantly infatuated. Morrill, who worked as a guide for many years at Jefferson’s residence in Virginia, Monticello, from 1770 until the president’s passing in 1826, shares this information.
According to Morrill, Jefferson develops a strong interest in this activity and it becomes a prominent pastime during his presidency. He consistently purchases machines, replacing imperfect ones with new and improved models.
According to him, for Jefferson, it was akin to a printing shop where the potential for making copies was limited to one. He also mentions that the president ended up with over ten copies at one time, which was pushing the limits of technology during that period.
According to historians, Jefferson utilized a groundbreaking technology to write approximately 20,000 letters during his lifetime.
On January 15, 1809, Jefferson wrote a letter to Charles Willson Peale, who collaborated with Hawkins in the creation and improvement of the device.
“I’ve grown accustomed to the polygraph, viewed the old copying press as unreliable with its poor copies,” followed by, “I can no longer imagine living without the Polygraph.”
The image shows how President Thomas Jefferson may have operated the polygraph machine. His right hand holds the left pen while the operator’s left hand is on the paper retraction knob, pulling new paper.
Morrill stated that our previous president strongly believed that the latest and greatest trend was not simply a desirable choice, but a necessary one.
While giving a tour at Monticello, Morrill was approached by a visitor who inquired about the American fascination with constantly seeking out new things. The visitor pointed out that other cultures do not seem to exhibit this behavior, and that Americans have a strong belief in the potential of the latest technology such as software, computers, and phones.
According to Morrill, this seems to have originated with Jefferson.
From the initial development of Polygraphs to the creation of letters by AI.
The technology of handwriting has significantly advanced since the era of Jefferson.
According to Wachs, their current repertoire now consists of 3D printing, laser cutting, and the creation of electrical circuit boards for the robots utilized in completing tasks typically done by humans.
Users can utilize the AI assist button to generate a more impactful message using its ChatGPT feature if they require assistance in determining the content for their note.
Humans have been utilizing various tools, such as the printing press, polygraph, computer, and robot, to convey their thoughts and ideas through written language. This is done for the sake of ease, emotion, and preserving their words for future generations.
Source: voanews.com
