a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
The mouse machine was built around two servo motors. One is underneath the robot and drives the two rear wheels. The second servo, visible in the front part, moves a steering wheel to the left or right. There are three of those old fashioned relays visible on the left, used to activate the servo motors. …
Read More “1968c – Cybernetic Mouse – Johan de Boer (Dutch*)”
Johan de Boer's description (from private correspondence 2010) "A second project [ RH: to the Cybernetic Mouse] was the maze where a light was used to indicate the position of an imaginary mouse in the maze. The maze could be changed with small removable barriers. Each square had a small light bulb that would be …
elektor june 75 M. Keul and H. Lohr the moth This is a design for a simple cybernetic model, based on an electric toy car, that will be attracted towards a light source like a moth, negotiating obstacles in its path. The car has two motors, one to propel it and one for the steering …
Read More “1975 – “The Moth” Cybernetic Model – Keul & Lohr (Dutch)”
elektor june 75 beetle Beetles, tortoises and the like have often served as models for cybernetic machines which must also have a reasonable appearance. The beetle described in this article can 'see, hear and feel' and reacts to information in the form of sounds and movements. The animal has a memory and can get tired. …
Eugene Wendling's original robot from 1930 was called "Televox" (not to be confused with Wensley's "Televox" from America). "Mekko" is probably either a rebuild or an upgrade of his earlier "Televox". Amsterdam, 1958. A recently discovered magazine article from 1936 shows the metallic "Mekko" from above but called "Televox"! You can see Wendling directing the flashlight to the …
Read More “1949-58 – “Mekko” & “Firato” – Eugene Wendling (Swiss/Dutch)”