ERIC THE ROBOT

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 175, 20 April 1929, Page 27

ERIC THE ROBOT

A Robot surpassing in ability any mechanical man yet invented was a guest at a dinner of the American Institute (writes the New York correspondent of the “Daily Mail.”). He was present on the invitation of his inventor, Mr. John Breisky, of the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Co. -Arriving before the other guests. Mr. Eric Robot counted them as they walked -, through a beam of light. Eric refused to be fooled when sceptics waved their hands through the beam. He coughed, but would not register a number. ’ He next demonstrated his ability as a fireman. A tank containing an inflammable mixture was placed in a beam of light focussed t a the electric eyes by means of which the Robot sees and works. A lighted mutch was tossed into the tank, and the instant the seam was crossed by smoky flames the mechanism released carbon dioxide, which extinguished the fire amid loud applause. It was proved that Eric could- sort materials according to colour or imperfections. and could match fabrics and paint more accurately than the human eye. Small packages were moved before 'these observant eyes, and if one package was defective or without a label the Robot seized it and placed it on one side. All these activities of the Robot are achieved by the reaction of the photoelectric cell to light.