a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
1978 – ARMS 1 (Atmospheric Roving Manipulator System) As early as 1971, Dr. Norman H. Wood, program engineer for General Electric's Cybernetic Automation & Mechanization Systems Section, described a new underwater manipulator system devised for use on a multi-well submerged platform. GE's activities in manipulators date back to the company's nuclear power development and space projects. …
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 …
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1964 – Aluminaut Submersible. Image source: Manned Submersibles, Frank Bushby, 1976. The Aluminaut is equipped with external dual manipulators which were designed jointly by Reynolds and the General Electric Company, Schenectady, New York and built by General Electric. Each manipulator handles up to 200 pounds at its full nine foot extension, and both are jointly …
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1958-62 – "Beetle" Mobile Manipulator. Background Information: Popular Mechanic's (Sep 1956) drawing made by Frank Tinsley from designs by Lee A. Ohlinger of Northrop Aviation, Inc. of a robot mechanic for the proposed atomic-powered airplane, a star-crossed project that stumbled through 10 years and $500,000 without ever getting off the ground. General Mills was one …
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Source: Popular Mechanics, Aug 1965. Ralph Mosher bending over the Pedipulator. Possibly Ed Ziegler in the background. G.E. Lifting Boom Publication number US3333716 A Publication date Aug 1, 1967 Filing date Dec 28, 1965 Inventor: Edwin E Ziegler Original Assignee Gen Electric ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A material handling device having an extensible lifting boom …
Read More “1965 – G.E. Lifting Boom – Edwin E Ziegler / Ralph Mosher (American)”