1986 – ROMAC Pneumatic Actuator – Guy Immega and Mirko Kukolj (American)

ROMAC, THE PNEUMATIC MUSCLE Actuator pulls 10,000 pounds using 60 psi A pneumatic actuator based on the principle of the human biceps has come to our attention in the form of a patent disclosure. The ROMAC, under development by MacDonald Detwiller & Associates of Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, works on low-pressure (shop) air and can …

1957 – “Artificial Muscle” – Joseph Laws McKibben (American)

Although "fluidic actuators" had been around for a long time prior to Joseph Laws McKibben's invention, none had been used previously for prosthetic applications, yet alone robotics. It was McKibben's use that coined the term "Artificial Muscle". Joe McKibben talks about his invention: More Help For Polio Victims To bring motion to his little daughter's polio-paralyzed hands, Dr. …

1917 – “Pedomotor” Steam-Powered Running Device – Leslie C. Kelley (American)

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 …

1934 – Wind-up Lower-extremity Walker – Cobb (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 …

1967 – “The Ambushers” Man-Amplifier – (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 …