Bronco Tech Trail
The Evolution of Technology at Western Michigan University, a “mini museum” brought to you by the IT Community at WMU. This page accompanies a physical space located in the University Computing Center (UCC) building on the second floor Academic Innovation and Collaboration Zone.
Pre-1980s Foundations & Early Tech
Before the digital age, Western Michigan University was already laying the groundwork for technological advancement. From mechanical calculators to punch card programming, these early tools reflect a legacy of innovation and adaptation that shaped WMU’s academic and operational landscape.
1926: Burroughs Portable Adding Machine
Reliable Adding Technology
The Burroughs Class 8 Portable Adding Machine, introduced in the 1920s, was a compact, durable device designed for clerks and field workers who needed to perform quick, accurate calculations outside the office. Its portability and mechanical reliability made it a popular tool in banks, retail, and government agencies, showcasing early innovations in mobile business technology. Machines like this were some of the first pieces of computing technology on campus.