Meet Erica, an astonishingly life-like robot from Japan that's the receptionist of the future. | Tech in Asia

How do you build a robot that moves without joints? In this clip from a 1991 lecture on Japanese robotics, Dr. Red Whittaker explains the mechanics behind "flexible tube actuators." By varying air pressure within three internal chambers, these tubes could achieve high strength relative to their weight. The quad-screen demonstration highlights their versatility, showing how they could be combined in unique ways to handle delicate tasks or navigate confined spaces. | Computer History Museum