Historical Photos To Blow Your Mind: New Release!

Smokebot

Retro technology at its finest! The Westinghouse Electric Corporation actually made a smoking robot in the 1930s (not pictured here). His name was Elektro — how modern. In addition to puffing on cigarettes, Elektro could speak about 700 words (thanks to a 78-rpm record player, blow up balloons, and move his head and arms. His eyes could also distinguish red and green light.

Elektro made his big debut at the 1938 New York World’s Fair and reappeared the next year with Sparko, a robot dog that could bark, sit, and beg. This robot is currently retired at the Mansfield Memorial Museum.