The $24,000 Robot

Warning! Warning!” To all die-hard fans of the 1960s TV show: Prepare to part with your cash—$24,500 to be exact. That's how much it costs to order a 6.5-foot, full-scale animatronic, radio-control version of the B-9 Environmental Control Robot of your very own.

According to Michael Joyce, founder of new replica company B9 Creations, B-9's every detail is reproduced as closely as possible from the original archival molds, patterns and blueprints in a mix of fiberglass, acrylic, aluminum and steel. B-9 features a rotating torso and head, flashing lights, and a 240-watt audio system that powers 511 pre-recorded phrases spoken by Richard Tufeld, the original voice performer.

“I've always had an interest in robotics as well as classic sci-fi entertainment,” Joyce tells Playthings. “[This] was a natural way for me to express both of these interests.”

His company has completed several dozen of the replicas so far, with interest buoyed by prominent placement in specialty retailer Hammacher Schlemmer's holiday catalog. “[They] are selling as fast as we can produce them,” Joyce says. “The reaction has been tremendous. It is apparent that the fans really appreciate the attention to detail and the quality of construction.” Typical B-9 buyers—including some celebrities—are looking for a unique item to showcase in a home theater, game room or office, Joyce says.

Requests have also poured in for replicas of other sci-fi favorites. “We hear a lot about Star Wars droids, of course, but also classic robots from Silent Running, Forbidden Planet, The Day the Earth Stood Still and many others.” At least one group of fans will be happy to learn that a new licensed replica is already in the works—but Joyce is keeping the details under wraps until things are finalized. His mantra: “If something is worth doing, it's worth doing right.”