a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
Above Photo by Chris Shute A Meccano machine to read your palm. Built in 5 months from mostly modern Meccano parts and 13 salvaged motors. All 24 electrical switches and the 32 – step Sequencer are made from Meccano. Mystic Mec will choose an almost 'random' letter to hint at your future. Working eyelids, index …
Read More “2011 – “Mystic Mec” Meccano Automaton – Chris Shute (British)”
Here is the Otherlab’s 15 foot inflatable walking robot, the Ant-Roach. We thought this conceptual elephant looked more like a cross between an anteater and a cockroach. The goal of building the Ant-Roach was to demonstrate the carrying capacity and high strength-to-weight ratios possible with inflatable structures. Comments November 21, 2011 by Travis Deyle of …
Otherlab's prototype articulated inflatable robot arm, is apparently able to lift a person with 50-60 psi even though it weighs only 2 pounds. All pictures and captions sourced from Otherlabs webpage unless noted otherwise. See Otherlabs webpage and other videos here. See other Pneumatic, Fluidic, and Inflatable robots here.
Pneubot stands for "pneumatic robot", or a robot that is actuated by pneumatic technology. A pneumatic technology involves the use of compressed air to drive mechanical motion. The compressed air can be moved through soft, balloon-like tubes, which allows for both rigidity (when filled) and flexibility (when decompressed or empty). In this video, an elephant-shaped …
Read More “2011 – Inflatable Walking Elephant – Otherlab (Saul Griffith)”
Iron Stallion (Pedal Horse) Carter's linkages remind me somewhat of Alzetta's 1933 horse. Longer legs, a more powerful motor, lower centre of gravity, steering and one could ride this machine bicycle-like. You start and stop with the person's feet touching the surface of the road. The ride would be a bit bumpy but swift – something …
Read More “2011 – “Iron Stallion” and other Mechanical Walking Machines – Carter Sharer (American)”