FLORIDA ROBOTICS

In 1989, while still living in Nashville, founder Russ Martin began building robots in his spare time. He designed a “Smart Robot” that could turn left and make a right turn on voice command, which he successfully convinced the Cumberland Science Museum to purchase.
 
After moving to Florida with his fiancée, Fay, Russ came up with the idea for a six-wheel-drive drink-serving robot during a trip to New Smyrna Beach. Built in just two weeks, this robot could roll along the sand, serving cold beer or soda from a cooler in its base, and drinks from an automated dispenser in its arm—similar to a soda machine you'd find in a commercial restaurant. The robot was an instant hit, and a local carpet cleaning company owner bought it right out of the Martins’ hall closet.
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Russ continued to create unique inventions, including a letter-making bubble machine. He showed it to local businessman Brett Kingstone, but Brett was more interested in a life-size robotic Pepsi can, which he ended up purchasing instead.
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Soon, Fay joined Russ in building the company, bringing her infectious energy, persistence, and corporate sales experience. Florida Robotics was born! It only took a week—and a lot of phone calls—for Fay to secure their first client: Florida Hospital. The hospital hired “JR the Robot” (named after their son, Joshua Russell), who made an appearance to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Neo-Natal Unit.
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A few years later, their second son, Jesse, joined the team, often testing the robots’ durability by jumping on them (with permission, of course) and keeping Mom company in the office.
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The first outright sale came when Walt Disney World’s Resort Design Dept. wanted to bring their SMRT-1 Robot to life. This transition from a static model to a roving, rolling, talking birthday cake- and drink-serving robot named X1846 was designed to enhance the futuristic re-design of the Contemporary Hotel’s second-floor restaurant.
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Fay and Russ continued to innovate, designing entertainment and promotional robots together for many years.
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In 2016, Fay took sole ownership of Florida Robotics, while Russ started Island Robots of Florida (IROF). A few years later, the two companies—and former partners—reunited, combining their strengths once again to bring interactive robotics to businesses worldwide, supported by Global Producer Scarlett Entertainment.

Together, they've brought fun to 33 countries and counting.

Looking ahead, they plan to develop robots that will improve the lives of millions of people around the world through super-fun robotic entertainment —and add a little levity along the way!

As for the future, they envision robots offering personalized assistance in daily life, alongside super-fun entertainment and much-needed laughter. From cooking and preparing meals to providing elderly care or offering companionship, the possibilities are truly endless. What about you? How do you see robots shaping our lives in the future?