¶ NASA's K6501 Robot Introduction
Why did NASA build a mechanical man in the 1960s? I'm Colton from Ripley's.com and this is your Weird Minute. Named project number K6501, engineer Joe Slowit created a power-driven articulating dummy in 1965.
¶ Purpose and Design of K6501
The robot was intended to be used in testing different space suits. While it was typical for astronauts to put on space suits and give verbal feedback as to whether they were comfortable or allowed for a freedom of motion, designers wanted something more objective.
They wanted measurements of resistances and stress, and they wanted to compensate for varying sizes. The android could vary its height between 5'5 and 6'2 and weighed 280 pounds. He had an aluminum skeleton and hydraulically powered motors. He could make complex movements, including Elvis-like dances and shaking his hands. Unfortunately, his servos leaked oil, meaning he would ruin any space suit he tried on. The same year they made him, NASA pulled the plug.
The Air Force Bionics Division took custody of the robot and had plans to hook him up to a learning computer. Their plans, however, were abandoned in the 1980s. To see what K6501 looks like, head to Rupleys.com. Rate the Weird Minute if you haven't already and tune in tomorrow for another Minute of Odd.