If You're Listening This robot will shoot you and steal your wife
Dec 8, 2025
Cara Jensen-McKinnon, a supervising producer and expert in robotic history, dives into the captivating tale of Alpha, a 1930s English robot alleged to have shot its inventor. The podcast unearths the sensationalized media frenzy surrounding Alpha, revealing how misconceptions stoked fears of robots stealing jobs and wives. Cara uncovers the mechanics behind Alpha's performances, debunking myths of sentience. They also connect Alpha's story to societal anxieties of the Great Depression, exploring how these themes resonate in today's world of automation.
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Alpha's Brighton Gun Incident
- Harry May toured a 1930s robot called Alpha that captivated audiences by appearing to act autonomously.
- Newspapers turned a gun malfunction that injured May into a lurid story of a killer, sentient robot.
Macy's Show: Gunfire And Courtship
- Alpha toured the US and performed at Macy's, complete with sexist banter and a staged courtship bit.
- A filmed demo shows Alpha answering audience prompts, firing a gun on cue, and courting a woman on stage.
Performance Beats Reality
- Alpha's demonstrations used pre-recorded responses and hidden controls rather than true autonomy.
- Public imagination filled the gap, making robots symbols of job loss, sexual threat, and violence during the Depression.