Photos: Mecha evolution

Powerful exoskeletons are a common theme in science fiction, corporations and even the U.S. military.

Dec. 22, 2004 4:01 a.m. PT

Mecha evolution

Gigantor, the anime robot that started it all.

Credit: Rhino

A scene from "Mobile Suit Gundam," a more modern anime.

Credit: Bandai America

General Electric's late 1960s Hardiman. The company never got more than one arm working.

The DARPA-funded Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton.

Credit: The University of California, Berkeley

Carlos Owens' giant mecha, dusted with snow.

Credit: Carlos Owens