World's First Programmable Robot Dates Back to 60 AD

Anyone can build a cart propelled by a falling lead weight, but this
one, originally designed by a Greek inventor named Hero way back in 60
AD, responds to a series of commands "programmed" into the axle. The
string pulled by the weight goes forward and back depending on where it
has been wrapped around pegs in the axle, producing a handy tool for
moving actors on and off stage.
Article Link (Gizmodo)