I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords. As should you. Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers and last week I focused on the delightful, yet scarce, Batgirl finds from the site. This time around I’m giving our metal brothers and sisters a chance to shine. Why? Because this past weekend I was served alcoholic beverages by a few at BarBot in San Francisco and I wish to keep them happy.
I purposely steered clear of movie or television robots because that’s a whole other category for another day. Here’s some great robot finds from Etsy.

Now here’s an item name that roles right off your tongue, Anti Boredom Flat Pack Puzzle Robots in Deployment Pod. It may sound complicated but it isn’t. User Tinkeringproductions created this set of puzzle robots for $10 out of laser cut hardboard. Tinkeringproductions says they can do boring tasks for you like distribute business cards, hold other small stiff pieces of paper, hold pens, and pen like objects as well. You’ll never be bored at work again.

Meet Billy the Robot. He’s part of a family of robots. As you can see, he enjoys:
figure skating, pudding pops, epic fantasy and dislikes: insult comics, turnips and cigarette smoke. Sounds like my kind of guy. User sweetmealine has created this robot in a frame out of tiny bits of watch pieces, cogs, gears, electronics, jewelry findings, and other found objects for $20. And make sure to check out the rest of the family.

This one should have creeped me out but it’s too darn cute to be scared of. It’s a MilliBOT Sculpture from user JunkBOT. Measuring just 2.5″ long, this little robot bug was made out of 20 electrical components and capacitors. It stands on a small wooden base with a hand stamped nameplate. $12.

You’ll be able to clean a lot with Mr. Robotic Clean Fun set of 8 soaps. User Melsfunsuds recommends giving them out as party favors. For $14.75, each robot soap also comes with its own key. Various colors and scents are available.

If you’re nice enough, maybe this guy will let you wear him around your neck and even help you with directions. It’s an antique bronze robot with compass and clock from user fashionjewel. It’s only $4.99 and yes, batteries are included.
As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!