Robert Rex Seeber Jr.
Robert Rex Seeber Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1910 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | 1969 |
| Occupation(s) | Inventor, computer architect |
| Years active | 1932–1968 |
| Known for | Co-developing the Selective Sequence Electronic Calculator (SSEC), design of computer systems, associative memory and processing technologies |
Robert Rex Seeber Jr. (1910–1969) was an IBM inventor known for co-developing the Selective Sequence Electronic Calculator (SSEC). Originating from Detroit, Michigan, he completed his studies at Harvard University in 1932. His major achievements involved the design of computer systems as well as associative memory and processing technologies.
Seeber's career started as the actuarial section chief at John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co. between 1932 and 1942. From 1942 to 1945, he engaged in civilian research supporting U.S. Navy submarine and air operations, focusing on mathematical computations.
Between 1945 and 1968, he served as a computer architect and innovator at International Business Machines Corp.. His first assignment at IBM was working on the SSEC, where he advocated for adaptable instruction sets. This device played a crucial role in advancing the stored-program model that underpins contemporary computing. As a senior member of IBM’s Department of Pure Science, he directed computational and educational initiatives at the Watson Laboratory.
In addition, Seeber created the "Wordwriter," an IBM Selectric typewriter equipped with memory capable of holding 42 words or phrases of eighteen characters each, selectable through a foot pedal and keyboard interface. This device also offered optional features such as automatic capitalization and hyphenation.
Partial list of awards
- Naval Ordnance Development Award, 1944
- Division of War Reserves Award, Columbia University, 1944
- Office of Scientific Research and Development Certificate of Merit, 1945
References
- American Men of Science: A Biological Directory, The Physical and Biological Sciences, Supplement 4, Eleventh Edition. R.R. Bowker Company. 1968. p. 520
- Mary Ellen Thomsen, "Typist's Dream," Harvard Alumni Bulletin, January 14, 1956
- Charles J. Bache, Lyle R. Johnson, John H. Palmer, Emerson W. Pugh, IBM's Early Computers. MIT Press, 1986
- Emerson William Pugh, Lyle R. Johnson, John H. Palmer, IBM's 360 and Early 370 Systems. MIT Press, 1991. p. 681