a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
Pouch-Type Artificial Muscle (1970) An artificial muscle, which would serve as a rotational actuator for prostheses, was developed. It was made of double boards connected by a hinge and an airtight rubber pouch the expansion of which was constrained by nylon so as to generate torque around the hinge. Dr. Ichiro Kato, the leader of …
Artists concept of the Lunar Worm, showing a large, crawling Pneumatic bellows shelter, and a smaller transport vehicle with side-by-side circular bellows. The crawling motion is not gained by pumping fluid (air) in or out of the bellow segments, but uses a mechanical travelling-wave connected to the pneumatic-bellows structure. The Epoch Times July 20, …
Read More “1966 – “Lunar Worm” (Concept) – Dobson & Fulton of Philco (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. …
Read More “1957 – “Artificial Muscle” – Joseph Laws McKibben (American)”
Rear view. Concept models. Concept models. Concept models. Concept models. Propellor protection. Prop actually swivels up and down to give ground clearance or motive power. [Source: All the above images – Life 1948] [Source: Mechanix Illustrated – March 1948] [Source: Popular Mechanics – May 1948] [Source: Popular Science – May 1948] Leapfrog Barge Swims, Walks, Climbs …
Read More “1947 – Walking Amphibious Barge – John T. Tucker (American)”
The earliest known actual walking dragline was from Ransomes & Rapier 1939 using the patented Cameron and Heath walking method. Model W170, it had a 4-yard bucket. TRACTION OR PROPULSION MECHANISM OF THE WALKING TYPE – Cameron et al. Colin McLeod Cameron and Alfred Thomas Heath British Patent 320,223 Granted Feb 21, 1940. Filed Mar …