a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
In 1955 the U.S. Science-fiction serial Science Fiction Theatre there was an episode called "Time is just a place" where a young couple discovers that their neighbours, who possess a 'sonic broom' and many other technologically advanced household items, are fugitives from the future who have fled to the past to escape an oppressive government. Complete …
The console of HECK with the floor cleaner being activated. Mechanix Illustrated, Nov, 1959 HOW RCA IS PLANNING…. YOUR WORLD OF TOMORROW By James C. G. Conniff [edited version – see full text here.] An automated house with electronic devices that awaken you in the morning, make your bed, prepare your breakfast, clean house and …
Read More “1957 – HECK and Robot Floor Cleaner – Donald G. Moore – RCA / Whirlpool (American)”
The Jetsons live in the year 2062 in a futuristic utopia (100 years in the future at the time of the show's debut) of elaborate robotic contraptions, aliens, holograms, and whimsical inventions. Robotic vacuum cleaner. This console activates the washing, ironing, and vacuuming. Antennas imply radio-control. Image source Paleofuture Rosie with her sweeping and vacuuming …
Read More “1962-3 – The Jetsons Automatic Vacuum Cleaner – Hanna-Barbera (American)”
In the film 'The Glass Bottom Boat', the inventor Bruce Templeton (Rod Taylor) tries to impress Jennifer (Doris Day) with his "Automatic floor-cleaning" robot after dropping banana peel on the kitchen floor. It only manages to pop out of its door to arc towards the dropped banana peel and through reversed footage, arc right back …
Read More “1966 – “The Bug” Floor Cleaning Robot from ‘The Glass Bottom Boat’ – (American)”
The "Little Dragon Carpet Sweeper" from the 1968 movie "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". The movie is set in 1910. The original contrivance is on show at Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum. Rowland Emett's 1968 sketch of the Little Dragon Carpet Sweeper. The "Little Dragon Carpet Cleaner" from 1968 This is a Machine no home …
Read More “1968 – Little Dragon Carpet Sweeper – Rowland Emett – (British)”