The 1966 Robot That Could Walk, Weed, and Wash 🤖

A Yorkshire Innovation

In 1966, David Weston, an inventive engineer from Yorkshire, introduced Tinker, a robot designed to tackle everyday household chores. Tinker wasn’t just a novelty; it could wash cars, weed gardens, take babies for walks, and even accompany its owner on shopping trips. It was one of the most innovative household robots of its time.

Limitations of the Garage-Bound Robot

While Tinker’s capabilities were impressive, there was one major limitation—it could only function within a 200-meter radius of Weston’s garage. Weston controlled the robot through a custom-built control panel, keeping it within technological reach. A TV camera mounted on the garage roof helped him monitor Tinker’s movements.

Advanced Engineering

What set Tinker apart from other early robots was its cutting-edge engineering. It featured 120 electronic motors, 29 signal-receiving channels, and a zoom-enabled TV camera. This made it a marvel in the 1960s, demonstrating the potential of robots in everyday life.

A Sad Ending

Despite its potential, Tinker’s story took an unfortunate turn. In 1974, Weston passed Tinker on to a family friend due to lack of space. It was likely stripped down for parts and disappeared into history, leaving behind a tale of early robotic ambition.

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