1964 – Jayson the Robot – (New Zealand)

Jayson the robot, named after the Jaycee organisation he was built for, it is said to be built from aluminium sheeting, with flashing lights and built-in sound effects, it is operated by an electronic control panel worn by its attending master. Whilst appearing to be a man in a suit, further study suggest that the …

1959 – Cybernetic Mice play Hockey – Mullard (British)

An early example of multiple robotic creatures operating together. Other than light and touch sensors, there's no other apparent interaction with them. Possibly an early but simple example of swarm robotics and collaborative robots. English translation of article text: To emphasize wont in machine control, a British firm [Mullard] of electronic devices has created these mechanical …

1937 – A Radio Robot – Everard Edmonds

A Radio Robot By EVERARD EDMONDS Constructional Details of an Amusing Robot that Talks and Sings are Given in this Article.  Source: December 4th, 1937    PRACTICAL AND AMATEUR WIRELESS    p337 MAN has created figures in his own image from the very earliest times. One recalls the Colossi of the Ancient World ; the marble statuary of Phidias, …

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 …

1932 – “The Iron Man” Robot – (American)

A 7 foot robot nicknamed The Iron Man, used to promote coming attractions. The Ben Ali Theatre was located at 121 East Main, Lexington, Kentucky, USA. 12/7/1932, Image Source: Lafayette Studios collection #1444a. "The Iron Man", a static robot, would name all the forthcoming movies when asked. It currently unknown if this was done via electronics or a remote …