The evolution of incubators has gone through a process from simplicity to complexity, from manual operation to automatic control, and from single-function to multi-functional integration. The main stages of its evolution are as follows:

Traditional incubation stage: Originating from the agricultural society, people used simple incubation methods, such as using firebeds and grass nests, to provide suitable incubation environments for poultry eggs. These methods relied on natural heat sources and experience to control temperature and humidity, resulting in unstable incubation effects and low incubation rates.

Mechanical control stage: Around the 1950s, simple wooden structures dominated the incubators, which were operated manually to adjust temperature and humidity. They were suitable for small-scale poultry farming. Later, metal structures were adopted, and simple mechanical control devices, such as mechanical timers for controlling egg turning time, were introduced, making the incubation process more convenient and reliable, and improving the incubation efficiency and stability to a certain extent.

Electronic control stage: In the 1980s, with the rapid development of electronic technology, incubators began to adopt electronic temperature and humidity control systems, which could precisely control temperature and humidity. During this period, incubators also added functions such as automatic egg turning and automatic ventilation, further improving the incubation effect and meeting the needs of large-scale farming.

Automation and intelligence stage: Since the 21st century, with the application of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things and big data, modern incubators have features of intelligence, networking, and automation. Advanced incubators have reached the level of full automation in temperature, humidity, ventilation, egg turning, alarm, and recording, and can be controlled by computer programs. For example, intelligent incubators can be remotely monitored and controlled through the Internet, allowing farmers to monitor the incubation situation at any time and adjust the incubation parameters in a timely manner. In addition, the application of new energy-saving materials and environmental protection technologies has led to significant achievements in energy conservation and environmental protection in incubators.