Early robots were designed to look like mechanical humans to fulfill the dream of creating artificial people, even if the technology only allowed for basic functionality like sitting or standing. Through the 1970s, the limitations of technology were acknowledged and function began to take priority over form. Modern robots have moved beyond a humanoid design and instead use wheels or other basic mechanisms. With recent advancements in artificial intelligence, environmental scanning, and balance, researchers are closer to achieving the goal of building true human-like robots.

1. Robots II
Visual dimensions of robotics

2. They all come in one shape
Early days they all
were build around
the same theme:
the dream of
mechanical man.
This has been one
of the key
principles of early
builders.

3. Form over function
In automatons,
the form was far
more important
than the
functionalities. It
has to look like a
human.

4. Early robot walk was a hoax
Many early 40’s
and 50’s robot
were men in
robot disguise.
Robots are only
now really able to
walk.

5. No walk, stand or sit only
There was huge will
to make robots to
look like a
mechanical man, but
technology was not
there yet. Sitting or
stand only robots
were more close to
the truth.

6. Finally challenges were accepted
Somewhere around
1970’s technology
limitations were
accepted and
mechanical man
dogma was rejected.
Finally functions
started to lead, not
the form.

7. Modern robotics
Large base, moves
with wheels, limited
actions. Some where
actually still radio
controlled, not really
autonomous.

8. Future is here
Artificial intelligence,
balancing skills,
ability to scan
environment are
building blocks of
the real mechanical
man. It’s almost
here.

9. Dawn of the humanoids
To create a machine
that looks like a
human is divine.