ELEKTRO the Westinghouse Robot

When he was built in 1937 by Westinghouse in Mansfield for the 1939/1940 World’s Fair in NYC, Elektro was the first robot in the world that could walk, talk, and even count on his fingers!

At the World’s Fair, he demonstrated his remarkable abilities by adding cigarette smoking and balloon blowing to his skillset:

Following his adventure to New York, Elektro began a touring “career” in various US cities, followed by appearances in several Hollywood films of his day.

For many years afterwards his whereabouts were a mystery, though he was eventually located in multiple pieces and locations. With much effort, Elektro was restored and he now resides just a few blocks from where he was made.

Come and see Elektro for yourself! If you would like to read about Elektro’s predecessors and his impressive place in the history of robotics and technology, “The Robots of Westinghouse” by our director, Scott Schaut, is available for purchase.

On the left is a full scale copy of Herbert Televox, the first human form robot Westinghouse built 1928. In the middle is a full scale copy of Elektro as he would be from 1939 – 1957, when he was modified. On the right is the original Elektro as he looks today. In the robotic exhibit we also have the surviving pieces of Herbert Televox from 1928.