Remember That Time Coca-Cola Ripped Off R2-D2?

The year was 1980, and the world was enchanted with all things Star Wars. Desperate to get in on some of that sweet Skywalker coin, Coca-Cola created in the image of series star R2-D2 their own funky astromech droid named “Cobot.” Did Coke sell tiny remote-controlled versions of Cobot to clueless children all across the land? Of course they did. Did Coke build life-sized versions of Cobot for personal appearances at malls and grocery stores? C’mon, did you really even have to ask that question?

Here’s video of a restored Cobot in action; note how he is nowhere near as expressive, emotive, or interesting as R2-D2:

I’ve spent thirty-three years loving Star Wars and carbonated beverages. I have no idea how Cobot’s existence managed to elude me until today. I am not proud.

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