a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
Source: Popular Science May 1965. "Mechanical elephant looks real – This battery-driven elephant looks so much like the real thing that people have complained of its treatment. Built for a British ice show, it annoyed some to see it walk on ice. Guided by controls in the neck, it's powered by a one-hp., 50-volt motor …
Read More “1965 – “Electrophant” Mechanical Elephant – Frank Stuart (British)”
A Steam-driven baseball pitcher. Modern Steam Punk illustration.
Copy of original artwork. Labyrinth scene with Humongous: Excerpt from Inside the Labyrinth: Check Youtube for clips on "The Making of the Labyrinth". The text for Inside the Labyrinth documentary was originally transcribed by Stephanie Massick. JIM HENSON: "It seemed like right late in the story what we wanted was for our heroes to come …
Read More “1986 – “Humongous” (Labyrinth) – Jim Henson (American) / George Gibbs (British)”
When I first saw information on Scherman's Steam Man (2004), there was very little information about him. Scherman worked for Disney, and was the definitive person on Disney's Nautilus. His concept for a steam man is amazing. A Vernian enthusiast posted some images (flickr) found in Scherman's friend Kendall roundhouse., also showing a pin-up board of his inspiration, …
Read More “1982c – Steam Man (a.k.a. Iron Man) – Tom Scherman (American)”
Robot Pouring Liquid From Flask Elbow Bender. Showing off its light touch, new mobot Mark II prepares to pour liquid chemical from one flask to another under command of operator Stan Pearlman at control console. The new remote controlled mobile robot built by Hughes Aircraft company has inflated pads on Hands for delicates jobs, ten …
Read More “1964 – MOBOT Mark II – Hughes Aircraft (American)”