a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
Humaniform automatons, mechanical men, robots covering late 19th century and the 20th century
Above: Images and text are from the book of the German exhibition "Die Roboter Kommen!" 2007. Werberoboter „Roberto", 1950er Jahre Museumsstiftung Post und Telekommunikation Die 1950er Jahre bildeten eine erste Blütezeit der Werberoboter. Unter großer Anteilnahme von Presse und Öffentlichkeit stapften überlebensgroße Blechmänner durch die Straßen, deren technisches Vermögen meist gering war: sie konnten wenig …
AU SALON DE L'AUTOMOBILE, UN ROBOT FAITS LA COUR AUX DAMES C'este un robot qui reçoit les client d'un des stands du Salon de l'Automobile. Il mesur 1m.83 et pèse 83 kg. Il marche; parle, répond aux questions des visiteurs; baisse les yeux; et rougit devant les femmes; mais est très sensible à leur charme …
Robot Cyclist will Ride the Streets. A robot cyclist named Dynamo Joe, capable of propelling himself unaided through the streets has been built by students of Bristol University Engineering Department as the main attraction of the University's Rag Week, which begins Wednesday 28th February 1951. The robot's body is made from a 10-gallon oil drum, …
Despite his attempts in trying, as seen in the attached documents, I don't believe Edmund C. Berkeley ever realized the construction of James the intelligent robot. Specification of James: A man-like robot, with six sound tracks, a load speaker, and three or four sensory organs, which will seem to respond intelligently. – For rent to …
Read More “1951 – James the Intelligent Robot – Edmund C. Berkeley (American)”
Above image from Jim Linderman's website. Gettysburg Times 17 June 1949 The servant problem has been solved by a Detroit automobile factory worker, whose butler requires no wages or board. Robin, the strange creature of Patrick Rizzo, is more than an ashtray-emptying servant. He also entertains with card tricks and dances a jig. Five feet …
Read More “1948 – Robin the Robot – Patrick Rizzo (American)”