1940 – Sparko the Robot Dog – (American)

Most likely the prototype Sparko, as distinguished by the dents and course finish of the side of his body, unless he's undergone some damage somehow.  Its been suggested by others that Sparko only moved his hind legs, and that his front 'paws' were rollers.  From photographic evidence, I believe Sparko was built faithful to the …

1938 – Robot – Charles Lawson (British)

Charles Lawson lighting a cigarette for his robot. Other than the above images, all that's reported for this robot is that is talks and smokes.  The photo above shows a seat with a lightning-bolt motif on it. The seat suggests robot could arise and sit again.  Robot''s right arm moves to show a stop signal to …

1939 – Superman Dennis the Robot – Charles Lawson (British)

Charles Lawson with his 2nd robot. Robot invented by Charles Lawson, a radio engineer  of Kettering, England. Little is known of this Robot. Earliest known date of 1939 is from the above Popular Science advert on Webster's Dictionary. 7ft. tall, its claimed that this robot can control traffic, sing, light and smoke a cigarette and sit or …

1939 – Clarence the Radio Robot – Austin Huhn (American)

Above: Popular Science Aug 1940.  Below: Radio-Craft Oct 1939 extract from Radio-Craft Oct 39. Clarence.  RADIO ROBOT Something new! A completely self-contained robot which operates within 150 ft. of a remote control unit. Oscillators—very similar to the currently popular " 'wireless' phono oscillator" supply control signals. by AUSTIN HUHN "CLARENCE," the "Man of Tomorrow," last month …

1938 – Big Looie – Patrick & Paul Rizzo (American)

News-Palladium 20 Jan 1938 Charlie McCarthy Has Rival—It's Big Looie Detroit-Built Robot Can Walk, Talk And Play An Accordion; He's 6 feet Tall And Wears Size 16 Shoes. DETROIT, Jan. 20—Two Detroit auto mechanics announced today they had produced a mechanical man that will put Charlie McCarthy in the minor leagues. Big Looie is his …