&relLev is a robot that plays the theremin, patented by Russian inventor Lev Termen in 1928. The theremin is the beloved first choice for soundtracks of early science fiction movies, owing to its eerie sound.
Let's listen to Lev the robot playing an old standard.
(Lev robot plays the theremin video)
Lev is made out of an old floor lamp, some plumbing supplies, a few empty mint tins, and some microprocessors. There's a picture of Lev down below.
Lev will never replace the human theremin virtuoso, although, as there are so few of the latter, a a mechanical substitute may someday be vital to our economy.
Fans of sf classic 2001: A Space Odyssey recall the musical stylings of the HAL 9000 computer. Take a look at HAL singing "Daisy, Daisy" from the end of the movie.
Drosophila Robotica, The Mechanical Fly
'... the Scarab [flying robot] buzzed into the great workroom as any intruding insect might...'- Raymond Z. Gallun, 1936.
Robo-Raven Flapping Wing Robot Bird
'When he had first built them, they had been crude indeed, flying mechanisms with little more than a reflex-response unit.'- Philip E. High, 1968.
Bartendro Robot Bartender
'He sipped the cognac that the robot bartender handed him...'- Alfred Bester, 1956.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!)
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you, the Glossary, the Invention
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Sky City's 220 Stories Are Go
'It rested among green parklands and... stood in total isolation, a glittering block of whites and flashing windows dotted with colors.'
Robo-Raven Flapping Wing Robot Bird
'When he had first built them, they had been crude indeed, flying mechanisms with little more than a reflex-response unit.'