a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
Sweaty Manny by Arthur Fisher Popular Science – Sep 1988 Manny. One of the most complex and sophisticated computer-controlled movable robots ever designed, as seen in the photos above, is being built at Battelle's Pacific Northwest Laboratories in Richland, Wash. "Manny," for robotic mannequin, is so humanlike that it even sweats. "In its final form," says …
Kelley invents the "Pedomotor", or power operated walking or running device to facilitate the operation of pedestrianism or running operation. The "Pedomotor" will provide relief of muscles utilized during the running operation, and to increase the speed of the person. Although any type of motive power can be applied, Kelley describes a small steam-engine to …
Read More “1917 – “Pedomotor” Steam-Powered Running Device – Leslie C. Kelley (American)”
Cobb invents a walking structure that simulates the action of natural walking using mechanical means, typically for a person who has lost the use of their legs. Motive power is supplied by the operators arms driving a crank-wheel which in turn drives the legs in an oscillatory motion. The same principles as applied to a …
Read More “1934 – Wind-up Lower-extremity Walker – Cobb (American)”
The Ambushers (Movie) – 1967 When a government-built flying saucer is hijacked mid-flight by Jose Ortega, the exiled ruler for an outlaw nation, secret agent Matt Helm and the ship's former pilot Sheila Sommars are sent to recover it. Once in Acapulco, Helm and Sommers get a tour by Ortega's frontman Quintana, through the brewery …
Read More “1967 – “The Ambushers” Man-Amplifier – (American)”
ROBOTICS: Featuring An Automated Pavlovian Dog! Developed many years ago, in the "Pre-IC Age" these Robot Rovers could simulate such Classical Pavlovian Responses as: CONDITIONING, EXTINCTION, SPONTANEOUS RECOVERY, LEARNING CURVES and HIGHER-ORDER CONDITIONING. Three-deck stepping-relays comprised the main elements of the dog's memory. A few transistors were used for "eye" and "ear" sensors, plus …
Read More “1963c- Cybernetic Dogs – Fred Chesson (American)”