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Alpha the Robot This 2,000 lb., chrome-plated, steel giant was a real robot who received visitors in the Palace of Science (the 1915 California Building). He answered questions, blinked his eyes, sat down, stood up, smoked cigarettes, and fired a pistol on command. The real Alpha was a machine; there was also a “man-in-a-suit” human Alpha, a costumed character with “See! Alpha the Robot” emblazoned on his chest, who carried off Zorine from Zoro Gardens as a publicity stunt in 1935. (adapted from an article by Richard Amero)