The history of cybernetics and artificial intelligence: a view from Saint Petersburg

In the article the history of cybernetics and artificial intelligence in the world and, particularly in the USSR is outlined starting from the 1940s-1950s. The rapid development of these areas in the 1960s is described in more detail. Special attention is paid to the results of Leningrad (St. Petersburg) researchers, particularly to the work of Vladimir Yakubovich and his scientific school on machine learning, pattern recognition, adaptive systems, intelligent robots and their importance for the further development of cybernetics and artificial intelligence.