In 1939, the World's Fair in New York was buzzing with excitement as attendees marveled at the latest advancements in technology. Amidst the displays of futuristic automobiles and cutting-edge household appliances, one exhibit in particular caught everyone's attention. It was the world's first toy robot, Elektro, and he was unlike anything people had ever seen before.

Elektro was a marvel of engineering, measuring 7 feet tall and weighing in at a hefty 200 pounds. He was powered by electricity and had a plethora of features that made him feel like a real-life robot. Elektro could move his arms, smoke cigarettes, and even speak a handful of phrases, such as "I am Elektro, the robot. I am here to help mankind." He was an instant hit with visitors to the World's Fair, who flocked to see the metal man in action.

Despite his impressive size and capabilities, Elektro was not just a one-off novelty. He was the creation of Westinghouse Electric Corporation, who saw an opportunity to bring the futuristic technology of robots into the homes of everyday people. Elektro was the first step in realizing this vision, and he paved the way for the development of smaller, more affordable toy robots in the years to come.

However, Elektro was not without his quirks. He was known to malfunction at times, causing his arms to flail and his smoke-emitting mechanisms to go haywire. Despite these setbacks, Elektro remained a popular attraction at the World's Fair and went on to tour the country, making appearances at various events and demonstrations.

Today, Elektro is remembered as a groundbreaking piece of technology and a symbol of the limitless potential of the human imagination. He may not have been the most advanced or sophisticated toy robot, but he will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to see him in action. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of robotics, we can look back to Elektro as a reminder of where it all started.

Elektro may have been the first toy robot, but he was so much more than just a plaything. He was a harbinger of a new age of technology and a testament to the incredible innovations that can be achieved when people put their minds to it. So let's raise a glass (or a smoke) to Elektro, the robot who started it all.