Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 5, 2026

ARRA (computer)

The ARRA was the first Dutch computer, and was built from relays for the Dutch Mathematical Centre, which later became the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI).

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Jun 5, 2026
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The ARRA (Automatische Relais Rekenmachine Amsterdam; Automatic Relay Calculator Amsterdam) was the first Dutch computer, and was built from relays for the Dutch Mathematical Centre (Mathematisch Centrum), which later became the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI).

Computer

It was designed and built by Carel Scholten and Bram Loopstra, and was finished in 1952. Because of reliability problems it was soon taken out of commission, and "updated" to the ARRA II, which actually was a completely new design. In December 1953, electronic1 ARRA II performed its first programs and was completed in 1954.234

Subsequent computers

Other computers designed and built at the Mathematical Centre:

  • FERTA (computer)
  • ARMAC (computer), 19565

Other very early Dutch computers:

References

References

  1. Research, United States Office of Naval (1953). A survey of automatic digital computers. Office of Naval Research, Dept. of the Navy. p. 6.
  2. Nijholt, A. (2014-06-28). Computers and Languages: Theory and Practice. Elsevier. p. 26. ISBN 9781483299426.
  3. Metropolis, Nicholas (2014-06-28). History of Computing in the Twentieth Century. Elsevier. p. 565. ISBN 9781483296685.
  4. Alberts, Gerard; Blij, F. van der; Nuis, J. (1987). Zij mogen uiteraard daarbij de zuivere wiskunde niet verwaarloozen (in Dutch). Centrum voor Wiskunde en Informatica. p. 285. ISBN 9789061963202.
  5. Research, United States Office of Naval (1953). A survey of automatic digital computers. Office of Naval Research, Dept. of the Navy. p. 79.
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