Science: New Gadgets, Dec. 14, 1953

OMan. For doing both heavy and delicate jobs under remote control, General Electric has built a monstrous, sensitive machine it calls "OMan" (for "overhead manipulator"). OMan is not beautiful; he looks like a Brobdingnagian dentist's drill. But he is a remarkable mechanical man. Obeying electric signals from a distant control console, he can lift 3,000 pounds off the floor and carry 1,000 pounds with a single arm extended horizontally. He can twist thick steel bars into pretzel shapes or tie them in knots. He can use power tools such as drills, hammers or...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!