20 October – 30 November 2016

Science Museum, London

Free

sciencemuseum.org.uk/eric

20 October – Today the Science Museum unveiled a 2m tall, full-size working replica of Eric, one of the world’s first robots. Eric will be on display from 20 October to 30 November 2016, and will be demonstrated twice a week while on show at the Museum.

Eric holds a unique place in our history. Built less than a decade after the word robot was first used, he was everything we now imagine a robot to be – a talking, moving mechanical person. Originally built in 1928 by Captain W.H. Richards & A.H. Reffell, Eric amazed crowds across the UK, Europe and the US, before he mysteriously disappeared.

In June 2016, the Science Museum launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring Eric back to life to star in a forthcoming major exhibition, Robots. Thanks to the generosity of 861 backers, the Kickstarter campaign raised over £50,000 allowing the Museum to bring Eric and a second robot, Inhka, back to life. Working with artist and robot builder Giles Walker, the team has recreated Eric, keeping his appearance as close to the original as possible. More details of the build process can be seen in this short video and this blog post from curator Ben Russell.

Now part of the Museum’s permanent collection, Eric will star in the forthcoming Robots exhibition from February 2017. Support from Kickstarter backers will also enable Eric to travel the world as part of the exhibition’s international tour from 2018.

Ben Russell, Lead Curator for Robots said: ‘I’ve always been fascinated by robots, and it’s a huge thrill that Eric is now on display and we are able to share his fascinating story at the Science Museum. As the UK’s first robot, Eric holds a unique place in our history. He was everything we now imagine a robot to be – a talking, moving mechanical person – and I can’t wait for many thousands of people to see our replica of Eric over the next six weeks.’

While on display in the Museum, Eric will perform short demonstrations each week on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 12.15. Eric will be on static display at all other times. For further information visit sciencemuseum.org.uk/eric.

About the Science Museum

As the home of human ingenuity, the Science Museum’s world-class collection forms an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical achievements from across the globe. Welcoming over three million visitors a year, the Museum aims to make sense of the science that shapes our lives, inspiring visitors with iconic objects, award-winning exhibitions and incredible stories of scientific achievement. More information can be found at sciencemuseum.org.uk.