Useful Robots (1968)

Mile End, London. In the faculty of engineering at Queen Mary’s College we see several robots in action. Brian Shayer operates a model centipede walking machine; Professor M W Thring shows his walking machine with metal legs, part of his research into powered legs for limbless people; it walks across a table. Charles Ford operates a ’Mole Miner’ machine, that can dig up minerals where it is difficult or dangerous for humans; this was to be taken on a moon expedition. A full-sized version of the centipede walking machine carries a man along; apparently to be used for crossing swampy or moon ground. Charles Ford sits in a step-climbing carriage; hooks come out of the wheels to pull the carriage up a small stairway; this was designed for the use of Thalidomide victims. Note: there are cameraman’s notes on file. Professor Thring was Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the college. FILM ID: A VIDEO FROM BRITISH PATHÉ. EXPLORE OUR ONLINE CHANNEL, BRITISH PATHÉ TV. IT’S FULL