1933 – “Tillie the Technocrat” Robot – (American)

"Tillie the Technocrat" robot, most likely inspired by Westinghouse's Katrina Van Televox of 1930. Although not a humanoid robot, like Katrina, the "robot" is anthropomorphised by a 2-dimensional cut-out figure. 

Caption: Junior High School Pupils Construct Robot
3 Feb 1933
During their spare time, pupils of May Cooke Junior High School in Philadelphia have constructed a robot, which they have named "Tillie the Technocrat". Tillie stands in front of her house, onto which a microphone is attached. Tones of the voice make Tillie open doors, and then turn on the lights or the radio. Above is a view of the unique robot. 

Caption: School Pupils Construct Robot
3 Feb 1933
During their spare time, pupils of May Cooke Junior High School in Philadelphia have constructed a robot, which they have named "Tillie the Technocrat". Tillie stands in front of her house, onto which a microphone is attached. Tones of the voice make Tillie open doors, and then turn on the lights or the radio – each performed as a separate action. Above photo shows George J. Lejune, instructor in charge of the electrical class at the school, with the box containing the speaking mechanism at the back of the house.


See all the Early Humanoid Robots here.