The Science Museum has launched a campaign on Kickstarter, appealing for funders to help re-build the UK’s first ever robot, which was originally created in 1928.
Eric was created by Captain W. H. Richards and A.H. Reffell almost 90 years ago and was a marvel to everyone at the time. He was made from aluminium, weighed just over 45 kg and had a ‘armour-plated chest, legs and arms’. Although he was nowhere near as sophisticated as the robots of the 21st century, his eyes lit up, powered by lightbulbs and his teeth sparked as 35,000 volts of electricity was pumped through his frame.
He travelled around the world, showing celebrities, royalty and the public what he could do, but then mysteriously disappeared and no one knows what happened to him.
“Built in 1928, Eric holds a unique place in our history. He was everything we now imagine a robot to be – a talking, moving mechanical person. But then Eric disappeared and no-one knows what happened to him,” the Science Museum wrote.
The museum is now asking for the public to pledge £35,000 to help re-build Eric, offering rewards such as a t-shirt, a bag, a specially recorded video message from Eric himself, a laser cut mini-Eric and for those who give the most money, a private tour of the Science Museum, their name displayed for the duration of the exhibition and the same perks as other supporters.
The robot exhibition is due to take place in February 2017, exploring the 500-year history of humanoid robots. It will feature 100 robots, including a 16th century mechanical monk, so some of the work being done by research labs around the world in the present day.
“This is your chance to help rebuild a part of history, to bring one of the earliest robots ever made back to life and help Eric inspire future generations across the world,” the campaign said.
