a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
MOB 1002 (Manipulation & Observation Bell 1002), built by Comex Industries, France, is a specially designed bell for underwater work. It has one manipulator with 6 degrees and one with 2 degrees of movement. It is also fitted with a lifting winch capable of lifting loads with a weight in water of up to 300 …
MF3 Blocher-Motor GmbH & Co. KG, Metzingen, West Germany CMS Technologies, Inc., Ft. Lee, N.J., U.S. Distributor This device is a remotely controlled, tethered 4-tracked vehicle which is used in the nuclear industry and other hazardous environments. It was initially conceived and developed at the KFA Julich Research Laboratory in West Germany. Its single, light-duty, …
Read More “1976 – MF3 Manipulator Vehicle – Köhler (German)”
Some robots will be made up of computerized "brawn" working in combination with human "brains" to form an efficient whole. These one-man capsules would enable workers to survive in space while performing complex tasks using robotic remote manipulators. (The Boeing Co.) Compare with Boeing's earlier 1965 concept here. See other early Space Teleoperators here. See other …
Read More “1976 – Manned Space Pod with Manipulators (Concept) – Boeing (American)”
Revolutionizing Techniques of Orthosis and Prosthesis Professor Pierre Rabischong of the Montpellier Propara Centre watches as a female patient and her physical therapist use a machine developed by Professor Rabischong. This machine allows the patient in rehabilitation to maintain her balance while inciting her muscles to move. The system functions according to the master-slave concept. …
Read More “1976 – Pneumatic Exoskeleton Prosthesis – Pierre Rabischong (French)”
Not so well known is that there were two main types of R2-D2's in the original Star Wars space opera. The models operated by Kenny Baker, the other a radio-controlled (R/C) model. Visually the main difference is the Kenny Baker model only ever had two legs, and the R/C version had three, although the single …
Read More “1975-6 – R2-D2 (from Star Wars) – John Stears (British)”