When music became mainstream back in the 60s and 70s, the world was in awe of legendary bands like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and so on. Then the early 2000s were dominated by electronically modulated music from bands like Daft Punk.

Today’s music scene looks like it’s going to be taken over by a different kind of band; those of the robotic kind. These quirky robot bands aren’t anywhere near winning music awards, but will surely blow you away with its sheer ingenuity. We’ve pulled together the top buzzing videos of robo-bands in action; brace yourself, this is going to be pulsating ride.

1. The One Love Machine Band

Created by engineer and hobbyist musician, Kolja Kugler, the One Love Machine Band is an autonomous robot band that seems to be focused on the physical appearance of the robots, rather than the quality of the music. The band sports a very practical theme, which has worked in their favor.

THE ONE LOVE MACHINE BAND (EB.TV Feature)

2. Compressorhead

Compressorhead is a trio of mechanized robots that creates their own music, and is highly reminiscent of the One Love Machine Band. This is probably because Compressorhead was designed and manufactured by the creators of One Love a well. The bands are so close that there are talks of a cross-country band tour; call it ridiculous, call it fascinating, but you can’t ignore it.

Compressorhead Ace of Spades

3. Robotic Drum Kit

You see, we are already in the world where robo-bands have to differentiate themselves.

The robotic drum kit is exactly that, an autonomous set of drums that is said to function independently. The drum kit can’t really be labelled as a band, but still manages to churn out a somewhat rhythmic, melodic tune.

Robotic Drum Kit, Drumoff

4. The Trons

Made in New Zealand, The Trons are a popular garage robot band, whose signature tune is a uniquely light sound that is easy on the nerves. The Trons are one of the older robot music bands, which mean that they’re not the smoothest players. Call them the veterans of the robo-band circuit, if you will.

The Trons robot band - Time's Up

5. Z-Machines

Originally created as a marketing gimmick to promote a manufacturing company’s beverages, Z-Machines is definitely the badass of robot music bands, with a long standing history with alcohol and obsessive responses. This seemingly simple gimmick has ended up become a robot music phenomenon, using some highly advanced technology to create some truly mesmerizing tunes. The bad is so advanced that it changes its playing style depending on the interaction with its audience.

Z-MACHINES played by DJ TASAKA -a robot band project by ZIMA-

6. The Rock-afire Explosion

The Rock-afire explosion is another robot music band that originated as a marketing gimmick, only this time for an American Pizza chain. The restaurant, ShowBiz Pizza Place, had created an in-house band during the 80s, made up a number of animatronic robots and other toys.

Sadly, the restaurant chain went out of business in the early1990s, and the animatronics band was sold off. But a recent documentary about the Rock-afire Explosion, have stemmed renewed interest in this once forgotten robot band. Don’t be surprised if these fiery robo-musicians make a comeback.

I've Got a Feeling- (Black Eyed Peas)- The Rock-afire Explosion

7.Munch’s Make believe Band

Yet another marketing gimmick gone pro, Munch’s Make Believe Band was the in-house robot music band for the Chuck E. Cheese brand of family restaurants. The band consists of a chef, a dog, a hen, a gory monster, and even Chuck E. Cheese himself. The best part about this band is that it didn’t try too hard to be serious about itself, keeping things on a lighter note by being the evening’s entertainment, unlike a number of other robot bands.

Munch's Make-Believe Band: Go To Chuck E. Cheese

8. Teddy Ruxpin

This one was made purely as a children’s toy. The ’80s-era stuffed toy bear, Teddy Ruxpin, was one of the first pieces of equipment to be fitted with animatronic eyes and moving facial slip that resembled a mouth. Many people lived their entire lives without knowing who Teddy Ruxpin, but it is one of the most iconic toys of its time, brining music to soft toys for the first time. No wonder, there are ‘build your Teddy Ruxpin DIYs’ available for wannabe Dr. RoboMusics out there.

The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin (Live Action) [COMPLETE]

9. Toyota’s Violin-Playing Robot (TFOT)

Last but certainly not the least in this list of musical robots, Toyota’s Violin Paying Robot, TFOR, was recently unveiled playing a violin symphony, and even reaching vibrato. This robot is currently the epitome of musical robot development, and will require decades of more testing to be able to match the control and coordination that is achieved by human dexterity.

Featured Image: Image Credit

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