Associazione Archivio Storico Olivetti - Olivetti electronic calculator "Elea 9003"

The Elea 9003 electronic computer, created by the Olivetti Electronic Research Laboratory (headed by Mario Tchou) and presented in 1959, is the world's first fully transistorized large computer. With this new type of product, its designer Ettore Sottsass Jr. no longer proposes the design of each individual machine, but rather addresses the problem of designing systems of machines with characteristics of modularity and combinability, both physical and formal, even with elements from other brands. The result is minimal units, called "wings," which are easily transportable and manageable. The "high" solution for transporting power cables is interesting, as it is more flexible and less expensive than the classic "low" solution, which involves an interstitial space under the floor. In 1959, the Elea 9003 won the Compasso d'Oro award.