Robo Q the Robothespian was created by engineering firm, Engineered Arts, and installed on 8 March 2011. He entertained visitors for just over 13 years before gracing us with a final song on 18 March 2024. During his last days, our visitors signed cards with heartfelt farewells and the Hon. Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, even popped by to offer some WD40 and well wishes for RoboQs retirement. 

Did you know there were three versions of Robothespian, each with a new generation of technology installed? Robo 1 was in Gallery 5 “Tinker Space”, Robo 2 was located near the ramp and Robo 3 took proud position in the foyer, a perfect location to serenade visitors (and staff!) Robothespians last about three years, with special care required to keep cables and air muscles dance-move ready.

 

We analysed four years of Robo Qs hits so you can fondly enjoy musical memories. Here are his top ten most requested hits:

  1. Back to the Future “Nobody calls me chicken”
  2. Star Wars “I am your father”
  3. Singing In The Rain theme
  4. Jaws theme
  5. Wizard of OZ “If I only had a Heart”
  6. Buzz Lightyear “To Infinity and Beyond”
  7. Terminator “I’ll be back” 
  8. StarWars2-C3P0 
  9. Sound of Music “The Hills are Alive” 
  10. 12 monkeys 

Bonus fact: the last song RoboQ sang at Questacon was “If I only had a Heart” from The Wizard of Oz. We know RoboQ certainly warmed plenty of hearts, even without one of his own!