Verizon Wireless may think that your average human would pick an LG Spectrum over R2-D2 but it really is apples and oranges. Even so, it is nice to see that our old robotic buddy can still get work.
Check out this 1963 video from Muppeteer Jim Henson. He created it for Bell as a promotional tool to show the relationship of robots and humans (aka "Man and the Machine".) Recently discovered in AT&T's archives, Computer H14 may think he can do it all, but we know better.
Panasonic certainly knows how to take advantage of its Evolta robotic mascot. After attracting plenty of attention at the Iron Man Triathlon last September, they have now turned the little guy into a battery charger. We figured that sooner or later he would become a living, breathing boy robot. So far he is only available at Amazon Japan for 3,910 JPY (~$50.00.)
While we barely tolerate the overly enthusiastic star of Progressive Insurance's commercials, it seems that a bobblehead in one of them wasn't enough. So they came up with Flobot, a bot that the original Flo (portrayed by the comedic Stephanie Courtney) seems to find objectionable. Somehow we think a gecko makes a much better foil.
If oversaturation can make for a successful product, then mission accomplished for the Fijit, a soft creature that has voice recognition and can sing and dance. You cannot look in any catalogue or toy commercial without noticing Willa or one of the other little buggers that come in various colors and have 100 built-in phrases and jokes.
Toys 'R Us figured the Fijit prominently on this year's catalogue (upper right corner, front page.) We guess that Mattel figured that if the original was hot, then Friends Newbies could extend their bankability. Tika is one of those friends and can sing. Put two together and you get a duet.
"For Those Who Do" is a recent commercial from Lenovo that not only claims they are "for the inspired thinkers who roll up their sleeves and make things happen," but gives examples of how it does just that. Think of this as your mini quiz of the day and see how many robotic devices you recognize.
Every day, more commercials crop up that use robots for costars. As CGI becomes more technically advanced all the time, we can see why that trend is catching on. What better villain to destroy Duane than an evil giant robot in this State Farm spot "State of Chaos?"
You have probably seen the Kia's dancing hamsters as they face off against what we would like to think are robots hoping to dispense with the creepy rodents. Just in case you missed the 2012 Soul Commercial, here it is with the targeted age group certainly obvious.
Japan loves their robots and the latest trend there seems to be making them into mascots for local companies like ATR/Vstone's Daichan, a 3'7" bot dressed for dancing and Eager's 5'4" Hansan, made mostly of recycled cardboard. Both are a part of Robot Laboratory, a network designed to encourage the PR practice.
The latest Droid commercial is out for the Bionic, due to be released this Thursday. Note that amidst the bells, flashes, whistles and robots, you never actually get to see the product itself. Both Motorola and carrier Verizon have been keeping pretty quiet as to the details until the carrier came up with a gimmicky idea for the smartphone tied into an app.
Whoa! Who isn't impressed by the Real Steel, due out October 7 and starring Hugh Jackman and those incredible Rockem' Sockem' Robots? You can bet that any licensed toys that come out of it will be hot for the holidays. (A poster is already available.) More video trailers have been released like the one above and we think it will be too kewl for skewl if viewed it at an IMAX theater.
Social media company Tencent thinks little-Q will be your new BFF. When integrated with the Chinese company's QQ software and online services, the penguinbot chats, plays tunes, gives news and weather reports, helps you shop online and captures notes to self. We admit that this is a cutsey pet in a gimmicky kind of way that will probably never take over the planet but, although we don't understand Chinese, clearly these two humans need a life.
Geico has been using robots in commercials, from the Gecko dancing to XtraNormal spots. This is their latest, a mom who endorses robot daycare. It's closer to reality than we think.
Willa is one of four Fijit Friends that debuted at February's Toy Fair and is ready to be your or someone you love's best friend. Made by Mattel, she can sing, dance, giggle and tell jokes. With soft, tactile skin and LED face, she responds to noise, movements and tummy poking. She reacts to over 30 specific voice commands, has about 150 phrases and can interact with mobile apps, TV commercials and other outside stimuli. When bedtime comes, she can become a nightlight.
The video is a bit juvenile, but then you have to consider the target audience and realize this will be a hot Holiday season for the quartet. Hit the link to see all four of the Fijit Friends.
Verizon Ad Features R2-D2
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