1951 – James the Intelligent Robot – Edmund C. Berkeley (American)

Despite his attempts in trying, as seen in the attached documents, I don't believe Edmund C. Berkeley ever realized the construction of James the intelligent robot. Specification of James: A man-like robot, with six sound tracks, a load speaker, and three or four sensory organs, which will seem to respond intelligently. – For rent to …

1948 – Robin the Robot – Patrick Rizzo (American)

Above image from Jim Linderman's website. Gettysburg Times 17 June 1949 The servant problem has been solved by a Detroit automobile factory worker, whose butler requires no wages or board. Robin, the strange creature of Patrick Rizzo, is more than an ashtray-emptying servant. He also entertains with card tricks and dances a jig. Five feet …

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 …