Al-Jazari, a leading mechanical engineer of the Islamic Golden Age, created groundbreaking machines nearly 800 years ago that remain relevant today. His inventions, powered by water pressure and air, included automatic mechanical devices that demonstrated early principles of robotics and cybernetics. His seminal book, 'Kitab fi Ma'rifat al-Hiyal al-Handasiyya', described around 100 mechanical devices with detailed illustrations and construction methods, serving as a practical engineering guide.

Among his notable inventions were the crankshaft, segmental gear, and double-cylinder water-lifting pumps, which introduced mechanisms later fundamental to modern engines and automation. Al-Jazari also built automata such as humanoid robots, musical boats, and water clocks, showcasing advanced control and feedback systems centuries before similar European developments.

The article emphasizes that Al-Jazari’s work established the conceptual basis for modern robotics, hydraulics, and control engineering. His integration of balance, feedback, and hydro-mechanical control in devices anticipated many ideas central to today’s cybernetics and mechanical engineering.

A passengerless cruise liner has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the war began, according to ship-tracking site MarineTraffic. The Malta-flagged vessel, named Celestial Discovery, had arrived in Dubai in early March and remained anchored there for about 47 days before resuming its voyage.

MarineTraffic reported that the ship crossed the strait on Friday and is currently heading toward Muscat, Oman, where it is expected to arrive by the end of the day. The crossing marks a notable development in maritime movement through the region, which had seen limited civilian vessel activity since the onset of the conflict.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not specify the nature of the ongoing war or the reasons behind the ship’s resumed journey, leaving broader regional implications unclear.

Andreas Krieg, an Associate Professor at King’s College London, stated that attempts to open the Strait of Hormuz by force would be 'almost suicidal.' He commented on US plans to deploy 2,500 marines to the Gulf, saying the move would make no difference in reopening the strategic waterway.

Krieg’s remarks highlight skepticism about the effectiveness of military measures in addressing tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global energy shipments. His assessment suggests that a forceful approach could carry severe risks without achieving the intended outcome.

The statement underscores concerns about escalating military involvement in the Gulf region and the potential consequences of using force to secure maritime access.