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Wily robot serenaded women, sold electronics and moonlighted as a reporter in 1984

A promotional robot charmed crowds with his humor, high-tech tricks and a touch of sci-fi flair.

Wily robot serenaded women, sold electronics and moonlighted as a reporter in 1984

A promotional robot charmed crowds with his humor, high-tech tricks and a touch of sci-fi flair.

The crowd that gathered on Washington Street today for the opening of Wang's computer store was caught by high-tech surprise. And greetings, young one. What is your name? Hello, mommy. How are your batteries today? Meet Sio the wonder robot. He walks, he talks, he sweeps women off their feet. is only 2.6 years old but very mature for his age. His parents, so to speak, are engineers at International Robotics in New York. Now he's hired by companies like *** all over the country to do promotional work and even soap operas. He walks around and talks to people, and we relate them to our computer. We're user friendly. He's user friendly. claims that he watches the TV news every night from his flying saucer. He wanted to try his hand at reporting, so we let him ask *** few questions. where were you manufactured? I beg your pardon is *** remarkable robotics achievement, but somebody else writes his material. Henry Mandel is the man behind the robot. He and his wireless mic stay hidden in the crowd. His personality is something that's developed over *** period, I'd say about 2.5 years, and it's been very rewarding for me. It must be rewarding to watch your alter ego steal the show from *** and everybody else. This is Kathleen from downtown Boston reporting for. May the force be with you.
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Updated: 9:05 AM CST Nov 7, 2025
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Wily robot serenaded women, sold electronics and moonlighted as a reporter in 1984

A promotional robot charmed crowds with his humor, high-tech tricks and a touch of sci-fi flair.

vlog logo
Updated: 9:05 AM CST Nov 7, 2025
Editorial Standards
In 1984, a high-tech marvel named Sico took center stage during the grand opening of Wang’s computer store on Boston’s Washington Street. The robot dazzled the crowd with his unique blend of charm and technology, serenading women and promoting electronics with humor and finesse.Sico, a creation from International Robotics in New York, was no ordinary robot. Alongside his promotional antics, he delighted audiences with his wit and even moonlighted as a reporter for the day. “Where were you manufactured?” Sico quipped while interviewing attendees, showcasing his playful personality.Sico's appearance not only captured imaginations but also highlighted the innovative ways robotics was beginning to engage with the public.Movie buffs might remember seeing a version of this robot in a blockbuster film in '85. WATCH the full story in the video above and see if you can guess which one!If you liked this story, check out our archival playlist:

In 1984, a high-tech marvel named Sico took center stage during the grand opening of Wang’s computer store on Boston’s Washington Street. The robot dazzled the crowd with his unique blend of charm and technology, serenading women and promoting electronics with humor and finesse.

Sico, a creation from International Robotics in New York, was no ordinary robot. Alongside his promotional antics, he delighted audiences with his wit and even moonlighted as a reporter for the day. “Where were you manufactured?” Sico quipped while interviewing attendees, showcasing his playful personality.

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Sico's appearance not only captured imaginations but also highlighted the innovative ways robotics was beginning to engage with the public.

Movie buffs might remember seeing a version of this robot in a blockbuster film in '85.

WATCH the full story in the video above and see if you can guess which one!

If you liked this story, check out our archival playlist:

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