a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
In 1906 the Swedish weekly Hvar 8 Dag published this photograph of an interesting diving apparatus, designed by the Italian inventor Giuseppe Restucci. This is how the weekly described the apparatus: "The arms are artificial, and are operated from the inside by the diver. There is an electric lantern on the helmet.Very heavy objects can be …
Read More “1904-6 – Cuirassed Diving Suit – Guiseppe Restucci (Italian)”
(no image yet located)l New Zealand Evening Post 3 Dec 1904. Lovers of the mysterious will welcome a new item which has been added to the programme of the London Hippodrome (says an exchange). It is called "Zutka, the Mysterious," and whether "Zutka" is a living person or a dummy is a problem which must …
(Images from Scientific American article Jan 13, 1906) January 13, 1906 edition of Scientific American. A CLEVER MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL AUTOMATON. An interesting, novel, and pseudo-scientific attraction has recently been entertaining London audiences at the Hippodrome variety theater. This is a cleverly-constructed figure which apparently walks and writes automatically. It is called Enigmarelle," and is seemingly …
Read More “1904 – Enigmarelle – Alba Root / Frederick Ireland”
(1904 claims) Skorzewski's Apparatus for Facilitating Walking or Running avoids one of the main causes of muscular fatigue, namely the necessity of a man's lifting his centre of gravity a certain height at every step. During the period of descent there is no compensation for the energy expended. The muscles have to remain strained in …
Read More “1904 – Apparatus for Facilitating Walking or Running – Skorzewski (West Prussian)”