"Tracto" the "Talking" Robot | Photograph | Wisconsin Historical Society

Photograph

"Tracto" the "Talking" Robot

"Tracto" the "Talking" Robot | Photograph | Wisconsin Historical Society
Front and rear view of "Tracto," a robot made of tractor parts for International Harvester's exhibits at state fairs. The front view features a young boy in tie and sports coat who appears to be touching Tracto's hand with a screwdriver, and holding a square object with the International Harvester logo in the other. Tracto poses with oil can and a can of IH tractor Hy-Tran fluid. From the original press release: "the eight-foot 'talking' robot is assembled from 227 farm tractor and implement parts. Robot is equipped with two-way communication system and contains motor gear reducer for oscillating head and lifting right arm. Electrically powered, eyes light up through transformer installed in robot's stomach." According to another press release, Tracto was voiced by "district office personnel hidden from the view of passers-by, but advantageously located to spot interested viewers and provoke them into conversations."
DESCRIPTION
Front and rear view of "Tracto," a robot made of tractor parts for International Harvester's exhibits at state fairs. The front view features a young boy in tie and sports coat who appears to be touching Tracto's hand with a screwdriver, and holding a square object with the International Harvester logo in the other. Tracto poses with oil can and a can of IH tractor Hy-Tran fluid. From the original press release: "the eight-foot 'talking' robot is assembled from 227 farm tractor and implement parts. Robot is equipped with two-way communication system and contains motor gear reducer for oscillating head and lifting right arm. Electrically powered, eyes light up through transformer installed in robot's stomach." According to another press release, Tracto was voiced by "district office personnel hidden from the view of passers-by, but advantageously located to spot interested viewers and provoke them into conversations."
RECORD DETAILS
Image ID:45754
Creation Date: 07 27 1960
Creator Name:International Harvester Company
City:
County:
State:
Collection Name:International Harvester Company corporate archives central file (documented series), 1819-1998
Genre:Photograph
Original Format Type:photographic print, b&w
Original Format Number:MCC MSS 6Z, Box 477 File 01029 FN 3361
Original Dimensions:10 x 8 inches
SUBJECTS
Agricultural exhibitions
Agricultural machinery
Tractors
Clothing and dress
Screwdrivers
Agricultural machinery industry
Children
Indoor photography
Marketing

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Reference Details
Location:Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin

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