a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
Years ago when I was searching the patents database the long, hard way (Google patents has made it all sooo much easier and quicker), I came across this wonderful looking Mechanical Walker / Unicycle. I just love the concept and the fine illustrations. Steam punkers will enjoy this one as well. I don't believe it …
Read More “1904 – Mechanical Walker Human Powered Unicycle – Crosse – (American)”
Update: 4 July 2010: A more recent discovery has it that, in fact, Thomas J. Winans was the inventor of the Steam Man, actually called "Steam King". Eno and a Newspaper were third share investors, and later custodians of the steam wagon. See article text below giving full description of the "Steam King". Update: 2 July …
Read More “1869 – “Steam King” Steam Man – Winans / Eno – (American)”
The above model from one of my favourite automata artists, Kandamu. For those of you expecting a simple, easy post for Prof. George Moore's "Steam Man", well, it isn't going to be one. The press "announcement" date for the Steam Man is 1893, but Prof. G. Moore had spent two years setting it up [see article …
Read More “1891-1893 – Steam Man – Prof. George Moore – (Canadian/American)”
Being an Australian myself, I got very excited when I found out about this Steam Man from Australia. Despite many hours in the State Library of Victoria, I have not been able to find any photos of him. However, as it was on show for major exhibitions, there was plenty of coverage in the local press. …
Read More “1880 – Steam Man “Frankenstein” – Hornburg (Australian)”
I have not been able to locate an image of Rowe's Steam Man, or should I say Steam Men as he made at least two of them. There is a possibility that Rowe's second Steam Man was re-incarnated as Prof. Moore's Steam Man in 1891. More on that in a later post. At one time I had articles included …
Read More “1874-1883 Steam Man – Capt. Rowe a.k.a. C. C. Roe (Canadian)”