a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
Todd's paper is very readable. See pdf here. Note that although referred to as a "train", Todd appears to have only built one. So the original "train" aspects have been lost. Its interesting to note that "BigDog" does have the concept for a "train", where the lead dog follows its human master, and other 'dogs' …
Read More “1990 – Iron Mule Train – Revisited by D.J. Todd (American)”
Although referred to as the "Iron Mule Train", only one carriage was built for test purposes. I believe it was Frank Tinsley's original idea in extending Space General's original Moonwalker that inspired Morrison into promoting this third variant (the other being the Moonwalker disability walker after NASA's cancellation of the earlier unmanned moon rover programme.) …
Read More “1968 – Iron Mule Train – R. A. Morrison (American)”
Space General designers have built an insect-like vehicle with six legs, two arms, a triangular body, a solar-cell panel, and an antenna. The left arm, ending in a claw, picks up objects to examine. The right one holds a TV camera to do the looking – and to see where the vehicle is walking. This …
Read More “1961 – Moonwalker Lunar Rover – Space General Corp. (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)”