Featured in November 1983's issue of Electronics Today International is an array of robots that were supposed to be unveiled at that time.
2. GENUS
This British home bot learned spaces autonomously using ultrasonic sensors and self-charged when low on power. Programmable via BASIC, it offered modular upgrades like voice recognition, security monitoring, and even vacuum arms. While ambitious with its CRT display and RF computer link, Genus ultimately proved more concept than practical home assistant.
3. Quadracon
This 4-foot promotional robot by ShowAmerica Inc. was all about flashy entertainment. Remote-controlled via FM radio, it featured a sound-responsive face panel and random chest light shows. While more mascot than functional machine, Quadracons became a trademarked attraction at events, proving robots could be crowd-pleasers before they were practical helpers.
4. Kludge
The name fit. Kludge was a modular, industrial robot that was expected to perform teleoperated and autonomous functions in demanding industrial applications, including explosive factories, clean rooms, and nuclear reactor buildings. It moved, talked (sort of), and was more of a Frankenstein experiment than a polished product.
5. Hubot
This 44-inch TV robot was shockingly advanced for its time. Packing a computer, voice synth, and even an Atari 2600, Hubot could navigate homes, play music, and patrol for intruders. Programmable via keyboard or voice, this 110-pound pioneer offered a futuristic vision of home robotics that still impresses today.
6. Gemini
This life-sized AI robot was an '80s marvel, packing three CMOS computers for navigation, speech, and propulsion. With ultrasonic sonars, infrared beacons, and bump sensors, it could self-navigate while responding to voice commands. Its text-to-speech system and task scheduler made Gemini one of the most advanced autonomous robots of its era.
7. Mr. Telebot
Mr. Telebot was controlled remotely and could mimic basic human actions like moving arms or turning its head. It looked more like a mascot than a worker, but it made people curious about telepresence tech.
8. Dustbot
Tomy's Dustbot 5409 was the first vacuuming robot, decades before Roomba. Its flashing eyes and sweeping arm motions charmed while actually sucking up dust and crumbs. With edge detection to avoid falls, this "brainy" bot proved robots could clean—if you didn't mind its slow, noisy performance.
9. Sentry
This pioneering security bot used infrared beacons and Polaroid ultrasonic sensors to patrol indoor spaces autonomously. Its wall-following algorithm reduced reliance on fixed paths, adapting to environments—a major leap for '80s robotics. While limited to structured areas, Sentry laid the groundwork for modern security robots with its obstacle-avoidance tech.
10. Officer Mac
Officer Mac was a robot mascot used to teach kids about safety. It rolled into schools and malls, waving its metal arms and speaking in a robotic voice about crossing the street and calling 911.
11. Robart I, II, & III
The first ROBART could only detect potential intruders, but the second ROBART could detect and assess, which made it more sensitive while reducing nuisance alarms. The third-generation prototype was specifically designed to prove automated response is feasible. They looked serious but moved like giant toys.
12. Hero 2000
The Hero 2000 was an educational robot available in both kit and assembled forms. It was based on an Intel 8088 16-bit microprocessor, accompanied by 11 slave Z-80 processors. It looked like something out of a sci-fi film, but it was real and very expensive.
13. Ervo
Ervo wasn’t widely known, but it was designed for basic object recognition and simple interaction. Think of it as a digital pet that didn’t do much—but did enough to impress your guests in the ‘90s.
14. OPD2
The Orlando Police Department tested this robotic officer for patrol duties, but its slow movement and limited functionality made it impractical. Designed to surveil high-risk areas, OPD2 struggled with real-world obstacles. While innovative, it proved more of a PR stunt than an effective crime-fighting tool, quietly retiring after trials.
