1964 – Aluminaut Submersible. Image source: Manned Submersibles, Frank Bushby, 1976. The Aluminaut is equipped with external dual manipulators which were designed jointly by Reynolds and the General Electric Company, Schenectady, New York and built by General Electric. Each manipulator handles up to 200 pounds at its full nine foot extension, and both are jointly …
Image source: Popular Mechanics, August 1963. 1962 – Deepstar 4000 Diving Saucer – Jacques-Yves Cousteau / Westinghouse launched in 1965. 26 Jun 1962-NEW YORK: William E. Knox, president of Westinghouse International, demonstrates the flexibility of a remote control arm, part of a unique deep-sea vehicle at a 6/26(/62) press conference. The new self-propelled vehicle, to …
 1961 – Submaray Submersible by Doug Privitt started being built in 1961 and was launched in 1962. Privitt inside Submaray operating the simple rod manipulator arm. It appears to slide inside a ball-and-socket joint, as can be seen in the video clip. Although a simple setup, this arm is quite efficient and versatile. The …
1947 – Mechanical Lobster model by Harry Rieseberg and Charles Warren. Source: Mechanix Illustrated, Nov 1947. Mechanical “Lobster” Deep undersea the claws of this tank will rip to the heart of rotting treasure ships. THERE’S gold down on the ocean floor. Vast fortunes lie hidden in sunken caches, waiting the hand bold enough to stretch …
1933 – Submarine Salvage Apparatus by Eugene J. Romano. For a demonstration of the robot to be used on this expedition, Lieutenant Harry E. rieseberg tackles the device in true diver's fashion. There is no dignity in entering or leaving the robot. Harry E. Rieseberg Extract from HE WALKS WITH DAVEY JONES by Eric Strutt …