a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
1960 – "Beauregard" the Robot by Tom Graham. There are 17 buttons on the control panel, which Tom uses to make the mechanical man do his bidding. Aided by his machinist dad, the lad labored for 15 months to perfect the robot. Operating a 17-button control panel, Tom Graham is able to make his home-made …
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1965 – "Mr. Obos" the Robot by Lou Nasti (upper right). New York Times, March 20, 1965 – By PHILIP H. DOUGHERTY – Print Headline: "So What Else Is New? A Robot Makes Debut on Flatbush Ave." So What Else Is New? A Robot Makes Debut on Flatbush Ave. ROBOT IN RESIDENCE: Mr. Obos blinks …
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1954 – "Sylvania Sam" Promotional Robot. The "Sylvania Sam" Promotional Robot was a 9-foot tall talking "electronic" robot that tells you all about pink "Softlight" bulbs. See other early Humanoid Robots here.
1957 – "Mr. Fantastic" Ushering Robot by Andy Frain Jr.. A tape recorder replays the ushering commentary via a speaker in 'his' chest. 'His' right toe has a sensor that counts the passing crowd. An interesting anecdote about Andy Frain, Jr. Source: The San Bernardino County, May 21 1954. Runs $1 Million Firm His Pay: …
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1983 – "Kludge" Omnidirectional Mobile Robot by John M. Holland. Kludge with legs contracted. Kludge at a 1984 exhibition. John M. Holland. The focus in this post is on the unique mobility base, and not on its navigation and sensor qualities. Patent Information: Publication number US4573548 A Publication date 4 Mar 1986 Filing date 23 …
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