I sold a similar robot back in the late 80's, I don't remember the name, but it used Basic instructions and connected to a PC. I think it sold for $1500. The main feature were the robotic arms , you could program it to go to the kitchen and get a soda for you.
I've been curious about these robots since I first learned about them as a lil lad in the 90s, both in old books from the library and on discovery channel, I hope they're still around somewhere
I still own two of these. One is the original Topo and the other is B.O.B. I still have Apple computers and a Franklin computer that you could run LOGO on to program them. Talk about a blast from the past.
Hmm, I seen these advertised in Robotics Age Magazine in the 80's. But wow, are they hollow shells. $1,600 in 1982 is worth $4,941.13 today. 👀 Subscribed to see more coOL videos.
I just got one of these, not really sure what to do with it. I can turn it on and make it move by the button on its head. What else can they do? I know you can hook them up to an old apple 2 computer and control them with a joy stick but that sounds like it could be hard to find and do now a days.
@@thewaystelander9148 - TOPO were basically just remote-controlled toys. If I recall, they had a "turtle graphics" program that ran on an Apple ][ computer where you'd program a path and TOPO would follow it. I don't remember that it did much else. Put a drink on it, type how to bring it to your spouse in the livingroom and say something cute. Their BOB robot looked identical, but Brains On Board meant that it had its own computer inside that you could actually program. I doubt if the included software was very sophisticated, but you could conceivably program or hack it to perform some task based upon sensor input. Like switching the lights on once it gets dark, or activating a burglar alarm if it detects movement.
Using corny sci-fi examples to show off new tech has been standard in pop journalism like this. As a kid born in the early 70s, the Star Wars references were a welcome update from them still comparing tech to stuff from Flash Gordon or Buck Rogers. I was into real-life tech and I hated that the sci-fi references would eat 2 minutes out of already superficial 5 minute piece.
I have been looking for one of these for well over a decade. At first it was for the great interest of mine of how advanced and amazing 80's robots were.. Now I want to find one to make as a ring bearer for my wedding in the near future!
I also saw on your channel that your favorite movies are Short Circuit! I still have the VHS of that movie. I love it too! Can't go wrong with Wall-e either. Plus, when did you record this? Your channel says you're 31. Just curious. Let's talk technology. I have some older books on animatronics!
The Androbot company had come a long way and became a success. I wish the Androbot company was still in buisiness,that would be awesome! Until then,I'll keep looking for Topo and other androbots. They are just outstanding robots.
I worked with Andy and Nolan back in the day. I was just a pup then but they inspired me to keep going with my own dreams. I will never give up pioneering developments for true home robotics. Thanks Andy and Nolan.
Good job! Your videos will get better (need to add more light, of course) and you'll get more confident as you go. Your ideas are cool and i wish you all kinds of luck on your robotic endeavors!
Totally RAD! It is WAY cool to see where they were building those bots. The transparent version must have been an early prototype. Thanks for resurrecting this footage. It is REALLY hard to find video of this robot.
