Against All Odds: Maker Gets His Robot Live on Perth Radio After Four Disasters
JohnVial · x · 2026-10-30
John Vial recounts the chaotic journey of bringing his robot J to Perth's 6PR radio for a live interview. The robot's voice system needs constant internet, AC power, Bluetooth and a hotspot Wi-Fi connection — any single failure bricks it.
Four hurdles along the way: taking the wrong bus and losing 30 minutes, nearly missing the slot; the robot squatting down in the elevator, forcing an impromptu battery swap and dragging it out; forgetting the entire infrastructure rig (mini computer, router, internet gear) in a coffee shop; and a last-minute connectivity meltdown where Bluetooth wouldn't pair and the robot wouldn't join the Wi-Fi.
Then it worked: the chatbot drove J's gestures live on air, entertaining Perth for a few brief moments.
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