In the 1930s the cinema introduced children to space and the adventures of for example Buck Rogers. Interest in the unknown has continued throughout this century, and both fact and fiction have always influenced the toy market.
In 1959 Corgi introduced 'Rocket Age Models' influenced by the Cold War. Early examples of robots were probably based on Robby the Robot from the 1956 film The Forbidden Planet.
Using battery power, space robots have been made to speak and have flashing eyes and lasers. Thunderbirds, Dr. Who and Star Wars have inspired a range of collectible figures and accessories that are sought after by children and adults alike.