Robot 'Frank From Future' Takes a Leisurely Stroll on Melbourne's Chapel Street
A robot known as Frank From Future has been observed cutting a casual figure along one of Melbourne's most bustling thoroughfares, Chapel Street, last week. The mechanical entity attracted the attention of dozens of perplexed commuters during its promenade, creating a surreal scene in the heart of the city.
Public Reactions Range from Amusement to Bewilderment
Aussies were quick to react with a mix of humour and concern. One onlooker quipped, 'He's ChatGPT, he's my therapist,' while another remarked, 'This would send me straight into psychosis.' A third commented incredulously, 'When the f*** did we get robots?' and a fourth added, 'Nah what in the black mirror is this s***.' The robot's presence prompted a man to do a double-take as he passed by, highlighting the novelty of such an encounter in everyday urban life.
Frank From Future's Melbourne Adventures Continue
Frank From Future is no stranger to Melbourne's streets, having previously visited various establishments including restaurants, night clubs, a shoe store, and a barbershop. During this latest outing, the robot meandered past multiple popular stores such as ELK Conscious Fashion, Marimekko, Stephanie Browne Australia, and SpudBAR, seamlessly blending into the retail landscape.
Other Robot Sightings in Australia
This incident follows another notable robot sighting in late 2024, when a woman was spotted walking her robot in Glenelg, Adelaide. The device, a Unitree Go2 with a retail price starting at $2,500, features a 'leashed mode' that allows it to mimic the behaviour of a real dog, offering users 'scientific and technological sovereignty' through its 'embodied AI'.
Billionaire Gerry Harvey Predicts Robot Integration in Retail
The appearance of Frank From Future coincides with a warning from Australian billionaire Gerry Harvey, who predicts that robots and AI will increasingly assume customer service roles in stores alongside human staff. Harvey told Business Weekend that customers can expect a transformative shopping experience, stating, 'I guarantee you we will have a robot in the front door in the next year or two.' He elaborated, 'When you come in you'll have the choice of talking to the robot or you talk to the salesperson or you can talk to both. It'll be an experience walking into our shops and people will (say) "Wow, the robot welcomed me in and then I talked to another robot and then there was another robot over there and another salesperson helping there".'
Public Skepticism Towards Robot-Assisted Retail
Despite Harvey's enthusiasm, many Australians have expressed opposition to the idea of robots in stores. One individual wrote, 'No thanks. We will be shopping elsewhere when that happens,' with another agreeing, 'No more Harvey Norman for me.' This sentiment underscores a broader public apprehension about the integration of robotics into daily consumer interactions.
