nivek@scythe.frc.ri.cmu.edu (Kevin Dowling) (05/22/91)
The seminal work in mechanical behavior studies was Grey Walter's work in the 40's and 50's. An Imitation of Life Scientific American August 1951 A Machine That Learns Scientific American, May 1950 Basically small mechanical platforms with vacuum tubes, two motors, touch contact in a small turtle-like shell. It was attracted to moderate light and repelled by bright light and obstacles. Made for some very interesting patterns when two or more of the creatures came near each other. All kinds of seemingly complex interactions would occur. Impressive and insightful work. nivek -- aka: Kevin Dowling Carnegie Mellon University tel: (412) 268-8830 The Robotics Institute adr: nivek@rover.ri.cmu.edu Pittsburgh, PA 15213