a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
The Incredible No-Torque "Walking" Machine It can turn on its axis, "walk" sideways, and tackle the roughest terrain and unbelievable gradients by DAVID SCOTT /PS European Editor The zaniest ride I've ever had was at the wheel of this weird walking-wheel vehicle on a grassy hillside in a Prague suburb. What's it like? Something like …
Read More “1964-70 – Rotoped Walking Wheel – Julius Mackerle (Czechoslovakian)”
LeTourneau Tree Stomper Model 6-110 of 1964 was a walking vehicle of the same principle of walking draglines. It was used for land clearing job in Dare Country, North Carolina. 120 t, 475 hp Detroit Diesel. Upper picture from the book 'R.G. LeTourneau Heavy Equipment' by Eric Orleman, Iconografix, 2008. Lower pict. From book …
Read More “1964 – “Tree Stomper” – Robert G. LeTourneau (American)”
HXP-022351-2/23/66-CHICAGO:One of features at Auto Show here is the robot at the Ford display. Appropriately named "Freddie Ford," mechanical man answers questions fed to it by curious visitors Robot was formed from Ford car parts & stands 12-feet tall. Model Mary Ann Laurel poses with"Freddie." UPI TELEPHOTO The earliest version of Freddie Ford, a robot employed …
Read More “1964 – “Freddie Ford” Promotional Robot – (American)”
In the movie "What A Way To Go!", "Larry Flint" creates painting machines to produce his abstract art. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rps9NZPesh4#t=2696s Plot This lavishly produced, big-budget comedy (it cost $20 million in 1964 dollars) stars Shirley MacLaine as Louisa, a widow who is worth $200 million dollars. However, she's convinced that her fortune is cursed, and she …
Read More “1964 – Painting Machine(s) – “Larry Flint” (American)”
John Fare Since the late 60's I have browsed all types of magazines for articles on electronic art, kinetic art, and robots. When I first came upon the John Fare article, I tucked it away, taking it at face value, for a future use. Given the rise of the internet, it appears that the "John Fare" story has re-surfaced …
Read More “1964 – Performance Artist using Robotic Props – John Fare (Canadian)”