Device or Vehicle
Cerebra
Nick Name
Cerebro's Big Sister
Creator or Inventor
Dr. Henry McCoy

Professor Charles Xavier
Owner or Possessor
Xavier Institute, Salem Center, Westchester County, New York
Function or Uses
Computerized device with a global range capable of detecting the brainwave patterns of mutants.
Size
Roomful
Weight
Tons
Special Properties
Cerebra is the third generation of mutant detecting technology.  It can be used by anyone, but is most effective when utilized by a telepath.  It can be utilized to detect the location of specific mutants whose brainwave patterns have been previously recorded.  Smaller versions of the device can be used to pinpoint the location of mutants by telemetric communication with the main unit.

The first generation of the mutant detecting technology preceding the formation of the X-Men was dubbed Cyberno.  It was used to detect Xavier's first student Scott Summers (Cyclops).

The second generation of the mutant detecting technology was dubbed Cerebro, named for the brain's largest and most developed section, the cerebellum.

Note: Apparently Cerebro gained sentience, constructed an artificial body and became a one-time menace of the X-Men in its quest to detect all mutants.
Regularly Appearing

Uncanny X-Men

X-Men Vol. 2
First Appearance

Cerebro

X-Men Vol. 1 #7 (Sept. 1964)

Cerebra

X-Men Vol. 2 #114 (July, 2001)
Creator

Cerebro

Stan Lee & Jack Kirby

Cerebra

Grant Morrison & Frank Quietly
Origin
A technology created by Professor Charles Xavier before the formation of the X-Men to recruit mutants into his school and offer protection from not only themselves but a humanity that fears and hates them.