a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
There are at least two variations of the walking machines attributed to Prof. Joseph E. Shigley, then from the University of Michigan. The first relates to the pantograph leg with some descriptions suggesting up to 16 legs were to be used – 4 gangs of 4 legs so a leg was on the ground at any …
Read More “1957-60 – Walking Machine(s) – Joseph Shigley (American)”
One of the few photographs we see of Hardiman I. I’d have a smile like that on my face too if I had one of these. Hardiman is a name derived somehow, from “Human Augmentation Research and Development Investigation.” and Man from MANipulator. Sometimes written as HardiMan, Hardi-Man, Hardi Man, Hardiman I. Said to also …
Read More “1965-71 – G.E. Hardiman I Exoskeleton – Ralph Mosher (American)”
The below video clip was recently placed on Youtube by Neil Mizen's son. The person in the video and in the below pics is Ronald J. Patterson, a technician from Cornell Aeronautical Labs at the time. ll Note: The description above incorrectly describes the exoskeleton as having motors. Unfortunately Cornell never got to the powered stage. …
Read More “1961-2 – Cornell Aeronautical Labs Man-Amplifier – Neil Mizen (American)”
As a child, I really wanted one of these! Of the three built, two may still be in existance at the Rancho Los Amigos. **Video clip via youtube – has both the Moon walker prototype and the chair** Either an early version, or the prototype for the later Iron Mule Train see here. Cam-leg set-up …
Read More “1966 – “Moonwalker” Disability Walker – Jack Miller / W.C. Baldwin / Brodsky (American)”
Image found on flickr. Exhibit now located at Musée Mécanique, San Francisco. See video clip here. from Mechanix Illustrated May 1947 from Popular Science Jan 1939.