Ancient Chinese texts from the Tang Dynasty describe 'immortal mirrors' that functioned similarly to modern CT scans and lifelike wooden puppets, suggesting early conceptualizations of robots and advanced imaging.

Ancient China dreamed of future technology long before the modern age, conjuring visions of magic mirrors, ingenious machines and even lifelike wooden puppets. In the Tang dynasty (618–907) text Duyang Miscellaneous Records, a mysterious stone called the “immortal mirror” appears as a precursor to the CT scan. Found in the southwest of an unnamed land, the polished stone was said to span hundreds of kilometres. Passers-by could look into it like a mirror, but instead of reflecting their faces,....