Robots: Older Than You Think
Japan, The Edo Period (1608-1868) - Karakuri ningyo or “Mechanised Dolls” represent some of the earliest known (and operable) examples of modern day robotics. These masterpieces of mechanical engineering crafted in wood, clay and metal by artisans taking up to nine years to complete each one. They were presented as gifts to royalty or dignitaries and were based on astronomical and waterclock technology brought over from ancient China.
The complex automatons could be engineered to perform complex tasks such as calligraphy, dance and even operating a bow and arrow. ASIMO, you’re a little late.
The oldest Karakuri ever recorded in the Chronicles of Japan was presented to Japanese Emperor Tenchi, it was called Sinan-sha (South pointing Chariot) and it took the form of a statuette sitting on a vehicle, when activated, the statuette would point south. This is also confirmed by the Chinese who have record of it in the chronicles of the Three Kingdoms conflicts, in which the Sinan-sha was employed to confirm bearings during battles.
And this is how far we’ve come:
Where are the mecha and replicants? We’ve had 400 years!
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There are small variances in each moenmevt. Yours might not hit the mark every time. This is particularly noticeable with the seconds hand, where it might hit the mark’ about 45 out of 60 seconds. Did you try rotating the hands a few times? You might be able to sync up’ the hands that way. If it’s not a big variance I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Of course, you could return the watch to Swatch and see if they’ll fix it or replace it.
Chris. I’m overwhelmed. This is a loevly story, a powerful story, a piece of art. Carved, I know, from an empty page like a piece of wood that reveals to you the potential of what it contains. This is your best work that I’ve seen so far. I want to offer a piece of constructive advice, but you make it hard. I’ll default to what I’m carving out of my writing at the moment: the word was. The cool steel on her fingers felt as familiar as her own reflection. (Also deleted to her. ) Does that seem stronger to you? Does to me. Keep em coming, my man, keep em coming.
Dear Anonymous La Raza lover guy ,Your little iracal tirade illustrates the problem with you open borders people. Mansoor is specifically addressing being against ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, all of whom shouldn’t be here. He obviously can’t list all the other things he also might or might not be against. Rather than address the issue Mansoor and the Minutemen are talking about you try to blur the issue by attempting to make it into something unrelated just as many of you equate legal & ILLEGAL aliens as being the same thing.
Thank you all for the supportive fcadbeek. Jeff- I sincerely appreciate all constructive fcadbeek. Especially when it comes from a writer I so admire. I see your point and agree. My problem is this: I have been taking my prompts from Writeanything(dot)wordpress(dot)com. One of the rules of the meme is no editing. So, while I do in fact edit a little, I try to keep to the spirit of the challenge. I’m finding that harder and harder as #fridayflash expands and more writers post polished pieces.