1968c – Cybernetic Mouse – Johan de Boer (Dutch*)

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. …

1970-3 – Computer Maze – Johan de Boer (Dutch*)

Johan de Boer's description (from private correspondence 2010) "A second project [ RH: to the Cybernetic Mouse] was the maze where a light was used to indicate the position of an imaginary mouse in the maze. The maze could be changed with small removable barriers. Each square had a small light bulb that would be …

1975 – “The Moth” Cybernetic Model – Keul & Lohr (Dutch)

elektor june 75 M. Keul and H. Lohr the moth This is a design for a simple cybernetic model, based on an electric toy car, that will be attracted towards a light source like a moth, negotiating obstacles in its path. The car has two motors, one to propel it and one for the steering …

1975 – “Beetle” Cybernetic Model – (Dutch)

elektor june 75 beetle Beetles, tortoises and the like have often served as models for cybernetic machines which must also have a reasonable appearance. The beetle described in this article can 'see, hear and feel' and reacts to information in the form of sounds and movements. The animal has a memory and can get tired. …

1949-58 – “Mekko” & “Firato” – Eugene Wendling (Swiss/Dutch)

  Eugene Wendling's original robot from 1930 was called "Televox" (not to be confused with Wensley's "Televox" from America).  "Mekko" is probably either a rebuild or an upgrade of his earlier "Televox". Amsterdam, 1958. A recently discovered magazine article from 1936 shows the metallic "Mekko" from above but called "Televox"! You can see Wendling directing the flashlight to the …