a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
Years ago when I was searching the patents database the long, hard way (Google patents has made it all sooo much easier and quicker), I came across this wonderful looking Mechanical Walker / Unicycle. I just love the concept and the fine illustrations. Steam punkers will enjoy this one as well. I don't believe it …
Read More “1904 – Mechanical Walker Human Powered Unicycle – Crosse – (American)”
Update: 4 July 2010: A more recent discovery has it that, in fact, Thomas J. Winans was the inventor of the Steam Man, actually called "Steam King". Eno and a Newspaper were third share investors, and later custodians of the steam wagon. See article text below giving full description of the "Steam King". Update: 2 July …
Read More “1869 – “Steam King” Steam Man – Winans / Eno – (American)”
Edward Payson Weston was one of Americas earliest and famous 'pedestrians', walking all over the country for most of his life. A Walking Automaton was built in his likeness by a currently unknown inventor. The Evening World 14 Jan 1893 p5 Huber's 14th Street Museum. The walking automaton. Walks like a living man. The Trenton Times 15 Oct …
Read More “1893 – Walking Automaton – “Weston” – (American)”
I’m afraid I don’t have too much info on this one, but here it is anyway….. New Castle News 01 Aug 1894 p7 Result of a Vision. An old gentleman named Gross of Beaver, who travels over the country sharpening saws was in town Tuesday and told of a wonderful invention he has perfected. It …
The Louis Philip Perew "Electric Man", due to an often referenced article by "The Strand Magazine", is dated as 1900. Further, due to a popular site that mis-represents early walking machines and steam men, it is also referred to as "Automatic Man". I elect to present the full story as I understand it to be. …