Cybernetic tortoise by William Grey Walter

This 'tortoise' was made by neurologist William Grey Walter as an 'artificial animal' to investigate brain function. It travelled around floors, avoiding obstacles, and was attracted to light.

Alan Turing knew Grey Walter well, being a fellow member of the influential 'Ratio Club' for cybernetics researchers.

In August 1951, Turing visited the Science Museum with four Cambridge friends to see the Festival of Britain science exhibition. While there, the group saw a pair of Grey Walter's tortoises being demonstrated.