a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
Leg detail – motors are modified power drills. From George A. Bekey – Autonomous Robots – From Biological Inspiration to Implementation and Control (2005) The first autonomous quadruped robot in the United States was constructed in the 1960's at the University of Southern California; it was dubbed the Phony Pony [ McGhee's own documents also …
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)”
Although published in 1962, the illustration is dated 1961. Frank Tinsley's concept pre-dates A. J. Morrison's "Iron Mule Train" by about 7 years. Given the cancelled Space programme for an un-manned lunar misssion, I wouldn't be surprised that Tinsley's concept inspired Morrison in resurrecting the Moonwalker project (having already had a second life as a Disability walker) …
Read More “1961 – Iron Mule Train (Concept) – Frank Tinsley (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)”
This demonstration model was remotely controlled by means of flexible cables: the operator used one limb to control each leg. The British firm W. H. Allen & Company, with A. C. Hutchinson and F. S. Smith, designed the first military related walking machine in 1940. The proposed armoured fighting machine in a partly engineered state. …
Read More “1940 – Walking SuperTank – Hutchinson and Smith (British)”