Robocop, Circa 1924: "The Radio Automata Have No Equal"

"Such a machine would seem to be exceedingly valuable to disperse mobs, or for war puroposes and even for industrial purposes…. For fighting mobs use is made of tear gas which is stored in a  tank under pressure and which alone will quickly disperse a mob if necessary. The arms are provided with rotating discs which carry lead balls on flexible leads. These act as police clubs in action…Bullets do not affect them and if equipped with a twenty to forty H.P. engine, they will be well nigh irresistible."—Science and Invention, May 1924

As for turning their backs on elected leaders at funerals for slain officers? Well, that depends on who's operating the "automata," doesn't it?

Via the Twitter feed of Hell Is Empty.