a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
The 6 models one can construct with this set. Source: Profi Instruction pdf here. Box cover. Source: Fischertechnik Online Museum here. The gait pattern for each of the models. (Google translation from German) The new computing box 'Bionic Robots' builds on the 1994 PROFI ' I'm walking' set . New in this case is that …
Meccano put out a robot models kit called "Meccanoids" in 1979, with instructions and parts for any of 10 models. See Instruction booklet pdf here. Venusian Desert Bug Sirus Stroller Saturn Dinosaur Martian Mantis Space Skate Lunar Lurcher Mercurian Creeper Uranian Rhino Cosmic Spider Cyborg Robot Comments from some Meccano Men : "Then there are the …
In this image, from top left, we have the Lunar Inchworm, Giant Inchworm, Crater Crab, Giant Snake, Martian Frog, and Star Squid. Above Images Source: Robots: Fact, Fiction & Prediction, Jasa Reichardt, 1978. Space Mechanimals advertisement in New Scientist , 23 Oct 1980 showing the available models and their model numbers. LUNAR INCHWORM No. 81196 …
Read More “1968 – “Mechanimals” Walking Models – Masahiro Mori and Ryuichi Tomiya (Japanese)”
"Gyro Gearloose" walking inventions featured here appeared in comics from 1967 owards, I believe. From Wiki: Gyro Gearloose is a fictional character, an anthropomorphic chicken created by Carl Barks for The Walt Disney Company. He is part of the Scrooge McDuck universe, appearing in comic book stories as a friend of Donald Duck, Scrooge and anyone …
Read More “1952-> Gyro Gearloose Walking Inventions – Carl Barks (American)”
A motorized Shoe-wheeled Vehicle most likely from the Honda Idea Contest or Toyota's Idea Olympics (Expo) which showcased ideas from their employees. See other Walking Wheels at the bottom of the Walking Machines page.