a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
Underwater Army Bases and Depot (See Figure 51: Under Sea Mobility) Recent marine biology and ocean engineering work have resulted in some startling underwater activity concepts and systems designs that promise to pave the way to a profitable exploitation of untapped water resources. It is not difficult to argue that before this decade has passed …
Read More “1973 – Under Sea Mobility – Ralph Mosher (American)”
The NEWTSUIT by R. T. "Phil" Nuytten. Phil Nuytten poses with his NEWTSUIT. Jacques Cousteau with a Newtsuit. Phil Nuytten has been instrumental in the development and current acceptance of Atmospheric Diving System technology. In 1977, he began work on a revolutionary new one-atmosphere diving suit that resulted in a patented break-through …
Read More “1984 – NEWTSUIT – R. T. “Phil” Nuytten (Canadian)”
Prime Vehicle "STEM" System The "STEM" system would be similar to the serpentuator, except that the translation/stabilization subsystem would be replaced by a STEM (Storable Tubular Extendible Member, Spar Aerospace Prod). The basic STEM concept is depicted in Figure 5-12. FIGURE 5-12 STEM PRINCIPLE The STEM is a continuous strip of resilient metal which is …
Read More “1970 – “STEM” Space Manipulator Arm – George Klein, Spar Aerospace (Canadian)”
The Robot Garguantua. gar·gan·tu·a -n. A person of great size or stature and of voracious physical or intellectual appetites. [After the giant hero of Gargantua and Pantagruel by François Rabelais.] Like most, including myself, the true significance is lost in the title ("An Automatic Block-Setting Crane") and opening description of the original article published globally in …
Read More “1937 – The Robot Gargantua – “Bill” Griffith P. Taylor – (Australian/Canadian)”
The mouse machine was built around two servo motors. One is underneath the robot and drives the two rear wheels. The second servo, visible in the front part, moves a steering wheel to the left or right. There are three of those old fashioned relays visible on the left, used to activate the servo motors. …
Read More “1968c – Cybernetic Mouse – Johan de Boer (Dutch*)”