Science World Welcomes The Robot Zoo, Where Nature Meets Engineering
Interactive exhibition featuring larger-than-life robotic animals invites visitors
to discover the science behind the natural world.
Get ready to experience the animal kingdom like never before. The Robot Zoo, presented by White Spot Restaurants, arrives at Science World on October 9, 2026. Through larger-than-life robotic animals and interactive hands-on experiences, visitors will explore the extraordinary engineering and biomechanics behind some of nature’s most fascinating creatures.
The 5,000-square-foot exhibition showcases eight spectacular robotic animals and more than a dozen interactives that reveal how animals move, hunt, adapt and survive through machinery that simulates the body parts of their real-life counterparts. By transforming biological systems into familiar mechanical components, The Robot Zoo demonstrates the remarkable engineering found throughout the natural world: muscles become pistons, intestines become filtering pipes and brains become computers.
“The Robot Zoo is a fascinating look into the mechanics of nature and the wonders found in our natural world. By using repurposed household and industrial materials to display animal movements, from a grasshopper’s leg spring to a chameleon’s tongue precision, this exhibition sustainably and creatively brings STEAM principles to life. Visitors of all ages will learn something fascinating, whether it’s how a basic bug moves or the engineering genius hidden in everyday objects; everyone will come away learning something new,” said Brian Anderson, Director of Performance and Fun Times, Science World.
The larger-than-life-size animated robots include a chameleon, a rhinoceros, a giant squid with 18-foot tentacles and a platypus. Also featured are a house fly with a 10-foot wingspread, a grasshopper, a bat and a giraffe whose head and neck alone stretch 9 feet tall. Each oversized model brings complex biomechanics to life, illustrating the ingenious adaptations that allow animals to thrive in their environments.
Throughout the exhibition, guests can explore engaging, hands-on experiences that reveal how animal bodies function, including:
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Swat the Fly – Put your reaction time to the test and discover just how much faster a house fly responds.
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Sticky Feet – Experience how flies are able to walk on walls and ceilings.
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Tongue Gun – Learn how a chameleon’s remarkable tongue launches with incredible speed and precision to capture prey.
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Jet Propelled – Explore how a giant squid propels itself through the water by racing three of your friends with a carnival style pumping game.
Each robotic animal has been carefully engineered to mimic real animal behaviour. Watch as the chameleon slowly scans its surroundings before firing its tongue toward prey, the platypus swims using a breaststroke motion powered by its front limbs, or the giant squid grasps a struggling fish with its massive tentacles before revealing its beak-like feeding mechanism. Visitors can also explore how grasshoppers achieve their powerful jumps and how bats navigate using echolocation.
“At White Spot, we’ve always loved bringing families together for a little fun and adventure. That’s why we’re excited to support Science World’s upcoming The Robot Zoo exhibition, where kids can discover giant robotic animals, ask big questions, and let their imaginations run wild. From Legendary Burgers to legendary discoveries, we’re proud to help create experiences that make family time even more memorable,” said David Comuzzi, VP of Marketing, White Spot Restaurants.
Based on the acclaimed book The Robot Zoo, conceived, edited and designed by Marshall Editions in London, England.
About The Robot Zoo
The Robot Zoo is an internationally touring exhibition developed by Evergreen Exhibitions. Through larger-than-life robotic animals, interactive experiences and engaging educational content, the exhibition explores the biomechanics of animals by comparing biological systems with familiar machines and engineering principles. Designed for visitors of all ages, The Robot Zoo demonstrates how nature has inspired innovation while encouraging curiosity about science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM).
About Science World
Science World is a charity that provides engaging and playful STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art & design and math) learning experiences. Visitors to the iconic dome in Vancouver explore interactive, hands-on exhibits, galleries and events that nurture discovery and inspire connection with their natural, physical and built environments. Beyond the dome, outreach programs inspire students, teachers and families in every region of British Columbia through virtual and in-person visits and programs. Science World’s mission is to ignite wonder and empower dreams through science and nature. Its vision is a sustainable future filled with critical thinkers, problem solvers and wonder seekers. Learn more at scienceworld.ca.
