a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
At the debut press conference, Handyman twirled a hoola hoop and wielded a hammer. Handyman slave station being held up by a G.E. "O" Man. Handyman was built between 1958-59 at Schnetectady, New York for the joint AEC-USAF Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion Program by Ralph Mosher. The idea of CAMs originated nine years ago when the …
Life Magazine 28 May 1956 p 125. The disembodied device graciously helping the girl with her coat (above) is one of the most dexterous robots yet designed. Its arms have elbows that bend, wrists that swivel and three-clawed hands. Still being perfected by G.E., it is an electro-mechanical slave called the Yes Man which does …
Read More “1956 – GE Yes-Man Teleoperator – Ralph Mosher (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)”
Concepts done 1962, test Pedipulator demonstrated in 1964. It was never completed as a poposal for a more useful quadruped was put forward and accepted (see here ). See Popular Mechanics Oct 1965 article here (pdf). See video clip of Pedipulator here. The Gaumont video site is a pain to use. One must be registered (free). There is an …
Read More “1962-64 – GE Pedipulator – Ralph Mosher (American)”
Beginnings: The Times Record – 24 July 1962 p13 From as early as 1962, the General Electric Ordinance Dept. in Pittsfield, Mass., undertook a study for the US Army which may lead to the building of a manned walking machine, with arms and legs, ….. where tractors might get stuck. The mechanism for which the …
Read More “1969 – GE Walking Truck – Ralph Mosher (American)”