Actually, in Infinity fluff, it is derived from a high-power vacuum cleaner that got switched to work in reverse - empting its "garbage tank" towrds the target. Of course, what we see on the Infinity battlefields are modern, purpose-buildt versions, but I guess the principle is still the same.
Old Szally DID have master/slave arms. but they were small and fiddly and more than a few players left them off, like the red-headed-stepchild ankle fins on the Cutter. But yes, in anime, Appleseed did use them first on mecha. The servo-operated waldo principle was in use for industrial and chemical engineering operators for a while before that, though (dating to the 60s at least).
I'm looking at the studio model's pics, and I'd say it is disputable whether these are arms. Especially given there are three of them (but hey, on the other hand, we're talking Nomads here... ;) ).
Old Szalamander did not have visible master/ slave control, the hands in the weapon systems were of the TAG and not of the pilot.
Mine did - I must have got a mispack, then - Mine came with one of the back "spine/cylinder" things, and a little sprue of the lizard arms - which I mounted in the only "sockets" I could see for them.
A chance for a set of 4-5 Murafeq Mk.II REM's, then? :D (Fanous, Rafiq / Rafik Red Fury, Shihab, Shaytanyah)
This REMs look amazing. I realy like the ones with the Weapon mounted on the center of the body. That gives that all some very "heavy weapon" feeling. and the chicken-bot ofcourse, that one looks amazing! Like a Haqq-chicken and a W40k Ghost suit from the tau had a little too much fun. Hands down great work.
Well have not posted for a while :D. But here is another TAG design i was imagining :D for Yu Jing. Time for more axes.