We're not yet in a sci-fi dystopia of downtrodden service droids and cybernetic house maids, but we're not far off. The rise of drones, the talk of self-driving cars, and other smart machines is gradually ushering in a mechanical revolution. And, of course, robots have been commonplace in industry for decades. We thought this would be a good time to take stock of London's current robot population, before it takes over completely.
Cleaning robots
Contrary to decades of prediction and future-gazing, most of us do not have a robot at home to do the household chores (with the notable exception of robot vacuum cleaners). Our mechanised servants are finding applications in public, however. This is Network Rail's hard-working droid at Charing Cross station. It patrols the main concourse keeping the floor nice and shiny. Similar units have been trialled at other stations. As the handwritten note attests, not everybody is enamoured with the idea.
Mowing robots
Automaton lawnmowers are from the same branch of the evolutionary tree as robot vacuum cleaners and station swabbers. We spotted this one in Lincoln's Inn Fields, rather unimaginatively dubbed 'Lincoln'.
Street art robots
This exceptional work of art appeared on Bride Lane near Fleet Street in 2024. Known as Madonna and Code, it was created by Keith Hopewell, Remi Rough and Juice 126. They're not the only ones making cybernetic art. We've spotted various other robo-murals over the years, including this bit of silliness in Notting Hill from iCON.
Canine robots
For centuries, horses have held a near-monopoly on quadruped participation in the Lord Mayor's Show. No longer. The 2024 parade featured a couple of nimble-footed robo-dogs, courtesy of the Zhejiang UK Association. The kids loved it, but Black Mirror fans looked on in horror.
K-9 robots
Spotted in the window of the Doctor Who Shop in Upton Park. K-9 was originally the robot companion of the Fourth Doctor, Tom Baker, as suggested by the hat and scarf. The annoying sidekick eventually became a Londoner, joining journalist and erstwhile Doctor's companion Sarah Jane Smith in her preposterously large house in Ealing.
The Robot of Death
K-9 is not the only Whovian automaton in town. Gunnersbury Park Museum holds this metallic head, which will send shivers down the spine of anyone of a certain age. The head comes from Tom Baker-era story The Robots of Death, a space-horror story involving androids who calmly throttle their human overlords. The serial was partly shot at Ealing Film Studios nearby. Tomb of the Cybermen — another Who story involving robotic antagonists — was also filmed there.
Waiter robots
Full-on robot waiters are still some way off, fortunately. However, several venues across town have experimented with motorised cabinets to help carry menus, food and drink to tables. The latest is an all-Asian canteen, Tokia Square in Croydon. We haven't visited yet, so here, oh brave new world, is an AI doing a review of a robot:
@croydonextra Tokia Square is Croydon’s newest Asian food hall, bringing together 13 unique brands under one roof. From sushi trains to sizzling BBQs, and bold Korean flavours to fragrant Thai curries, it’s a one-stop destination for authentic street food, comfort eats, and sweet treats – all at wallet-friendly prices. Tokia Square is located on Level One of the iconic Grants Entertainment Centre in the heart of Croydon (CR0 1QB). Just a 10-minute walk from East and West Croydon stations, it’s easily accessible via train, tram, and bus. Ample parking is available at the Q-Park Grants car park on Surrey Street, with additional nearby car parks for convenience. Whether you’re travelling by public transport or car, getting here is quick and hassle-free – making Tokia Square the perfect destination for your next food adventure. Opening Hours: Mon-Sun-12.00-22.00 Bank Holiday- 12.00-22.00. #Croydon #TokiaSquare #foodlover ♬ Walking Around - Instrumental Version - Eldar Kedem
Shopfront robots
Cyberdog has been selling clothes and accoutrements to a clubbing crowd for more than quarter of a century. Its Stables Market base in Camden is presided over by these two behemoths who seem to hold the Christmas spirit in their aluminium hearts.
Trashy robots
The London Borough of Barnet has a bit of a thing for novelty bins in its children's playgrounds. This trashy take on R2-D2 was spotted in Watling Park, Burnt Oak. I'd say this is definitely in the top two bin-shaped robots of all time, along with Dusty Bin.
London's crapiest robot
Smithfield Market. Left without further comment.
Postscript: Vanished robots
Like its human citizenry, London's robot population goes down as well as up. One notable loss in recent years is this life-size (if that's the right word) model of Robby the Robot from Forbidden Planet and other sci-fi classics. It stood for many years inside the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. Since its revamp as Young V&A, the mechanical mister has been missing. Lost in Space.
The other great loss to robot-kind is Cynthia's Bar. This lurked underneath on Tooley Street in the space now occupied by the London Bridge Experience, just beneath said bridge. Decked out like a spaceship, Cynthia's big selling point was that all cocktails were poured by robot (well, a robot-like contraption operated by remote control). Game over came sometime in the mid-noughties.
