Branded Event Giveaways

STAND OUT. GET REMEMBERED. CAPTURE THE ROI.
STOP THE TRASH. BOOST THE DASH. DATA OVER DUST.

You’ve seen it a thousand times. The trade show floor is a sea of plastic. Thousands of attendees wander by, clutching canvas bags overflowing with cheap pens, neon fidget spinners, and rubber stress balls shaped like lightbulbs. By the time those attendees reach the airport, 90% of those items are in a trash can. By the time they get home, the remaining 10% are buried in a junk drawer, never to be seen again.

Is that the “Return on Investment” you were looking for? Probably not.

At East Coast Ventures (Sketching Robots), we believe your marketing budget shouldn’t end up in a landfill. If you’re spending thousands of dollars on booth space and logistics, your giveaways need to do more than just take up space: they need to build connection.

The Death of the Generic Giveaway. Why the “cheap” route is actually the most expensive.

Marketing ROI isn’t just about the cost per unit. It’s about the cost per meaningful impression.

When you hand out a generic plastic pen, you are telling the prospect that your brand is “standard.” You are signaling that you value volume over value. Generic swag is the marketing equivalent of background noise. It’s functional, sure, but it lacks soul. It lacks a story.

Most importantly, it fails the “Desk Test.”

The Desk Test is simple: Will this item still be on the prospect’s desk in six months? A generic pen will be replaced the moment it runs out of ink. A plastic toy will be given to a toddler and broken within an hour. Your logo disappears. Your investment vanishes.

The high cost of low-quality:

• → High churn rate: Items are discarded immediately.
• → Negative brand association: “Cheap” swag equals “cheap” services.
• → Zero engagement: No one talks about a stress ball on LinkedIn.
• → Wasteful spending: You’re paying to fill up trash bags.

Enter the Sketching Robot. High-tech art, high-value retention.

Imagine a different scenario. A guest approaches your booth. They aren’t just grabbing a handful of candy. They are transfixed. They are watching a high-speed, AI-powered robotic arm translate their likeness onto high-quality paper with robotic precision.

This is the live art experience. It’s not just a giveaway; it’s a performance. Our SketchBots use intelligent algorithms to create personalized caricatures and portraits in real-time. This isn’t a pre-printed sticker. It’s a custom piece of art created specifically for that individual, right before their eyes.

The Robotic Advantage. Engagement in every stroke.

When an attendee walks away with a portrait from East Coast Ventures, they aren’t holding “swag.” They are holding a souvenir.

1. Personalization is Power: People don’t throw away pictures of themselves. Especially when those pictures are created by a robot.
2. Long-Term Visibility: These portraits don’t go into the bin. They end up on office desks. They get pinned to refrigerators. They get framed. Your brand stays visible for years, not minutes.
3. The Reciprocity Trigger: Because the experience is high-value and “mesmerizing,” the recipient feels a genuine sense of gratitude toward your brand. This is a psychological connection that a plastic toy simply cannot create.

Measuring the ROI: Social Media and the “Instagrammability” Factor. Go viral, instantly.

In 2026, if an event moment isn’t shared on social media, did it even happen?

Generic swag has zero “shareability.” No one is taking a selfie with a branded lanyard. But a robotic arm drawing a personalized portrait? That is pure content gold.

Our clients see a massive spike in social engagement during their events. Attendees record the robot in action. They post time-lapses of their portrait being drawn. They share the final result on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, tagging the event and the brand.

This is “earned media.” You aren’t just reaching the person at your booth; you’re reaching their entire digital network. Your marketing ROI is suddenly multiplied by every follower that person has.

Social Media Stats to Track:

• → Number of social shares using the event hashtag.
• → Increase in brand mentions during the event window.
• → Post-event engagement from followers seeing the “cool robot” content.

Sophistication Meets Strategy. Elevating the booth experience.

You aren’t just a vendor; you’re a tastemaker. For upscale corporate gatherings, weddings, and high-stakes networking events, the “standard” approach won’t cut it. You need something that fits the aesthetic of success.

Our SketchBot stations are designed to be elegant and innovative. They don’t look like trade show clutter; they look like a high-tech art installation.

Whether it’s a gala or a tech summit, our setup integrates seamlessly. We use branded art paper, ensuring that every piece of art that leaves the station carries your logo and your message in a way that feels premium, not forced.

Addressing the Logistics. No Stress. No Latency. No Problem.

One of the biggest anxieties for event planners is reliability. “Will it work? Is it too complicated? What if the Wi-Fi goes down?”

At East Coast Ventures, we’ve solved for every variable.

• Zero Latency: Our robots are fast. We can handle high-traffic booths without creating a massive bottleneck.
• No Internet? No Problem: Our systems are designed to operate offline if necessary. We bring the tech; you bring the guests.
• Full Service: We provide the operators, the tech, and the supplies. You focus on the leads; we focus on the art.

AVAILABILITY: LOS ANGELES | NEW YORK | CHICAGO | MIAMI | LAS VEGAS | LONDON | TOKYO | DUBAI
AVAILABILITY: LOS ANGELES | NEW YORK | CHICAGO | MIAMI | LAS VEGAS | LONDON | TOKYO | DUBAI

The Cold, Hard Numbers of ROI.

Let’s look at the math.
If you spend $2,000 on 1,000 plastic pens, and 900 of them are thrown away, your “Effective Cost Per Impression” is astronomical because the impression lasted three seconds.

If you invest in a Sketching Robot experience, your cost per unit might be higher, but your value per unit is off the charts.

• Active Engagement Time: 3–5 minutes per guest (the time they spend watching the robot).
• Lifespan of Giveaway: 2–5 years (average time a piece of art stays on a wall or desk).
• Brand Recall: 90%+ (the “magic” of the robot makes the brand name stick).

When you compare the two, the generic option is actually a waste of money. The innovative option is a strategic investment in brand equity.

Make the Shift: From Swag to Souvenirs.

Marketing in 2026 is about creativity and connection. The era of “stuff” is over. The era of “experiences” is here.

Don’t let your brand be the one that people toss in the bin on their way out of the convention center. Be the brand that people talk about over dinner. Be the brand that people keep on their desks for the next three years.

Choose the technology that bridges the gap between AI and human emotion. Choose the experience that turns a lead into a fan.

READY TO UPGRADE YOUR EVENT ROI?
Visit eastcoastventures.co today and book a SketchBot for your next activation.

BUILD THE CONNECTION. OWN THE DESK.
THE FUTURE IS SKETCHED.

ATTENTION IS THE CURRENCY. ATTENTION IS THE PRIZE. ATTENTION IS EVERYTHING.

You’re standing on a concrete floor in a massive convention center. Your feet hurt. You’ve seen 400 roll-up banners that all look the same. You’ve been offered 50 cheap pens you don’t want. Suddenly, you see a robotic arm moving with surgical precision, sketching a perfect, stylized portrait of a smiling attendee. You stop. You stare. You’re hooked.

That is the power of high-impact engagement. At East Coast Ventures (Sketching Robots), we see it every single day. The “battle for attention” isn’t just a metaphor; it’s a high-stakes competition where the winner takes the leads and the loser takes home a box of leftover brochures.

I’m Chad Middleton, and I’ve spent years watching what works (and what definitely doesn’t) on the trade show floor. If you want to stop being “just another booth,” you need to stop thinking about furniture and start thinking about experiences.

Here are 10 trade show booth ideas to help you dominate the floor and win the hearts (and data) of your attendees.

1. AI Portrait Robots: The ultimate crowd magnet

If you want to stop traffic in its tracks, you don’t need a louder speaker; you need something mesmerizing. Our Sketching Robots are the secret weapon of modern event technology. We’re talking about high-speed, AI-powered robotic arms that draw live caricatures and portraits of your guests in under 60 seconds.

It’s the perfect blend of intelligent algorithms and pure magic. The guest stands there, the robot “sees” them, and then the arm starts flying. It’s an irresistible “What is that?” moment that builds a massive line at your booth.

The Marketing Win: Every sketch is created on paper featuring your company logo and event branding. It’s not just a drawing; it’s a high-value keepsake that puts your brand in their hands: and on their office desks: forever.

→ High-speed drawing (under 60s) → Fully custom branding on all paper → Zero-latency AI processing → Mesmerizing movement that draws a crowd

2. Augmented Reality “Try-Ons”: Digital interaction, real results

Why just talk about your product when people can see themselves using it? Use AR mirrors or tablets to let attendees “try on” your equipment, clothing, or even see how a piece of machinery would look in their own facility. It’s high-tech, it’s interactive, and it keeps people at your booth longer.

3. The Digital Spin-to-Win: Instant gratification in seconds

We’ve all seen the old-school wooden wheels. They’re fine, but they’re “yesterday.” Upgrade to a massive digital prize wheel. It creates a “game show” atmosphere that triggers a primal human response: the desire to win. Use it as a lead-gen tool: scan a badge, get a spin.

4. Immersive LED Walls: Visual storytelling at scale

Forget the small TV on a stand. If you want to be seen from the other side of the hall, you need an LED wall. Use dynamic, high-contrast motion graphics that tell your brand story without saying a word. This creates an “environment” rather than just a booth.

5. Branded Charging Hubs: The oasis in the desert

Trade show attendees are constantly hunting for two things: caffeine and power. By providing a comfortable lounge with fast-charging ports, you’re providing a genuine service. While their phones are tethered to your booth, you have a captive audience for a 5-minute conversation.

Pro Tip: Use this space to showcase your services on nearby tablets while they wait. Check out our services page to see how we can integrate tech into these spaces.

6. Live Product Workshops: Education as entertainment

People don’t want to be sold to, but they love to learn. Schedule “micro-workshops” every hour. Keep them to 10 minutes. Solve a specific problem your audience has. It positions your team as the experts and builds a recurring crowd at your booth throughout the day.

7. 3D Props and Photo Ops: Social media fuel

In 2026, if it isn’t on social media, did it even happen? Create a “photo-worthy” moment. This could be a giant 3D version of your product or a whimsical backdrop. When guests take a photo and post it to LinkedIn or Instagram, your booth reach extends far beyond the convention center walls.

8. Strategic “Mood” Lighting: Creating an atmosphere

Most trade show halls have the same depressing, flickering fluorescent lights. Use spotlights and color-changing LEDs to make your booth pop. Warm lighting makes a space feel inviting; cool blue lighting makes it feel high-tech. Lighting is the most underrated tool in the booth-builder’s kit.

9. Interactive Sentiment Walls: Crowdsourced insights

Ask a big, provocative question related to your industry and let people answer it. Use a digital touch-wall or even a physical “post-it” board. It’s a low-friction way to get people to engage, and the collected “data” becomes a great talking point for your sales team.

10. Vertical Branding: Claim the airspace

Don’t just think about your 10×10 footprint. Look up. Use hanging signs, tall towers, and vertical banners to ensure your brand is visible from the entrance. If they can see you from the coffee line, you’ve already won half the battle.

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NO INTERNET? NO PROBLEM.

One of the biggest anxieties for any event planner is the “Convention Center Wi-Fi.” It’s notoriously terrible. It’s slow. It’s unreliable. And if your tech depends on it, your booth is one lag-spike away from being a paperweight.

At East Coast Ventures, we built our Sketching Robots to be “Event Proof.”

• Offline Capability: Our robots work 100% offline. No cloud dependency. No Wi-Fi lag.
• Zero Latency: The AI processing happens locally, on-site, in real-time.
• Reliability: We show up, we plug in, and we draw. It’s that simple.

“The robot was the hit of the show. We had a line around the corner for three days straight, and the best part was that it never missed a beat, even when the venue Wi-Fi went down.” – Sarah J., Marketing Director.

SOUVENIRS THAT SELL

Every piece of art our robots produce is a marketing asset. When an attendee takes home a custom caricature, they aren’t just taking home a piece of paper; they’re taking home your logo.

The Branding Advantage:

• Customized logos on every print.
• Branded “frames” or digital overlays.
• QR codes printed directly on the sketch to drive traffic to your contact page.
• A “wow” factor that guests talk about for months.

AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE. AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE. AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The trade show floor is a battlefield. You can either be a spectator or a commander. By integrating high-impact tech like AI Sketching Robots with strategic booth design, you transform your presence from a “stop” into a “destination.”

Don’t settle for boring. Don’t settle for “standard.” Give your attendees something they’ve never seen before: a piece of personalized art created by a robot, right before their eyes.

Ready to dominate your next trade show? Visit eastcoastventures.co to see our robots in action or contact us to book your dates.

INNOVATE. ENGAGE. DOMINATE.

UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES. ZERO FRICTION. PURE INNOVATION. UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES. ZERO FRICTION. PURE INNOVATION. UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES. ZERO FRICTION. PURE INNOVATION.

The Entertainment Gap: Why “Good Enough” is No Longer Enough

Let’s be real for a second. You’ve planned the perfect day. The flowers are stunning, the venue is breathtaking, and the catering is top-tier. But when the cocktail hour hits, what are your guests actually doing? Usually, they’re standing around, checking their phones, and waiting for the “real” party to start.

The “Standard Wedding” is suffering from an entertainment gap. Photo booths are classic, but they’ve been seen a thousand times. Live bands are great, but they don’t provide a takeaway. You need something that bridges the gap between creativity and technology. You need something that stops guests in their tracks.

Enter the AI-powered drawing robot. It’s not just a machine; it’s a performance. It’s the solution to the “boring” wedding lull. At East Coast Ventures (Sketching Robots), we’ve seen it happen time and time again: a guest walks up, looks at the robotic arm, and their jaw drops. It is pure magic.

AI-Powered Artistry : The center of the cocktail hour

Imagine a sleek, robotic arm holding a pen. It moves with a grace that seems almost human, yet with a precision that only intelligent algorithms can achieve. This isn’t a pre-printed gimmick. This is a live, real-time creation of art.

Guests aren’t just getting a drawing; they are witnessing a spectacle. The robot becomes a conversation starter, a social hub, and a mesmerizing focal point all at once. It breaks the ice for guests who don’t know each other and gives everyone a reason to gather around and watch the innovation unfold.

Velocity Meets Versatility : 45 seconds to “Wow”

One of the biggest anxieties for wedding planners is the dreaded line. Traditional caricature artists are incredible, but they take time: often 10 to 15 minutes per person. In a wedding with 150 guests, that math just doesn’t work. Most people will never get a chance to sit in the chair.

Our robotic drawing arms operate with zero latency. We’re talking about high-speed, high-quality sketches in under a minute.

→ Speed: Sketches completed in 45-60 seconds. → Capacity: Dozens of portraits per hour. → Flow: Keep the party moving without the bottleneck.

This speed ensures that everyone who wants a keepsake gets one. It maintains the energy of the room rather than draining it. While one guest is being sketched, the next is already getting ready, keeping the atmosphere electric and the momentum high.

Keepsakes That Actually Get Kept : A branded souvenir for the digital age

Let’s talk about the “favor” problem. Most wedding favors: the little bags of almonds or the customized candles: end up in a junk drawer or, worse, the trash. People want something personal. They want something that reflects connection.

Every portrait drawn by our AI robot is a high-quality piece of art. But it’s more than just paper.

1. Custom Branding: We can pre-load your wedding hashtag, names, and date directly onto the sketch paper. Every time a guest looks at their portrait, they see your “wedding brand.”
2. Digital Integration: Guests don’t just leave with a physical copy. They get a digital version sent straight to their phone.
3. Social Sharing: Because the art is so unique, guests immediately post it to Instagram and TikTok. Your wedding becomes a trending event in their social circles instantly.

It’s the ultimate branded giveaway, repurposed for the most important day of your life. You can check out more about our customization options at https://www.eastcoastventures.co/services.

No Internet? No Problem : Reliability in any venue

We know how it goes. You found the perfect rustic barn in the middle of nowhere. It’s gorgeous, it’s private, and it has absolutely zero Wi-Fi. Many “high-tech” entertainment options fail the moment they lose a signal. They become expensive paperweights.

Not us.

Our technology is designed for the real world. Our robots have full offline capability. We don’t need your venue’s spotty Wi-Fi to function. We bring our own localized processing power to ensure that the art never stops flowing. Whether you are in a high-tech ballroom in the city or a remote vineyard at sunset, the robot performs with unmatched reliability.

How It Works: The Quick-Start Guide

Planning a wedding is stressful enough. We’ve made the integration of our AI robots as seamless as possible. Here is the play-by-play:

→ Step 1: The Snap. A guest walks up to our station. A high-resolution photo is taken in seconds. → Step 2: The Style. The guest chooses a style: from classic caricature to “Dino Adventure” (where they are sketched riding a dinosaur!). → Step 3: The Sketch. The robotic arm begins its work, drawing live on branded paper. → Step 4: The Delivery. The guest walks away with a physical print and a digital copy for their social feed.

It’s fast, it’s fun, and it requires zero effort from the bridge or groom. We handle the setup, the operation, and the teardown. You just enjoy the glow of having the coolest entertainment in town.

Why the “Human Factor” Still Matters

Even though we use AI-powered technology, the experience is deeply human. The portraits capture the essence of your guests. They highlight the smiles, the laughter, and the joy of the day. It’s a way to honor your guests by giving them a piece of art that is uniquely them.

Our robots don’t replace the emotion of a wedding; they amplify it. They provide a shared experience that guests will talk about long after the last dance.

AVAILABLE NOW // BOOKING FOR 2026 // LIMITED DATES // NATIONWIDE SERVICE // AVAILABLE NOW // BOOKING FOR 2026 // LIMITED DATES // NATIONWIDE SERVICE

What Real Couples are Saying

“We wanted something different for our cocktail hour. The robot was the biggest hit of the night. People were lining up just to watch it draw. Best decision we made!” : Sarah & Mike, Married Oct 2025

“I was worried about the tech failing in our mountain venue, but the team at Sketching Robots was prepared. It worked perfectly without Wi-Fi, and the sketches were hilarious!” : David L., Groom

“The digital copies were a game changer. Our wedding hashtag was full of these cool sketches before the reception even started.” : Jessica K., Bride

Ready to Upgrade Your Wedding?

Don’t settle for the status quo. Give your guests an experience that merges the future with the present. Give them a keepsake they will actually treasure. Give them the magic of a live caricature robot.

The process is simple. We show up, we set up, and we blow minds. If you’re ready to make your wedding the event of the year, it’s time to secure your date.

ACT NOW. Space is limited, and our robots are in high demand for the upcoming season.

Contact us today to get a quote and see how we can customize the experience for your big day. Let’s make something beautiful together. Contact East Coast Ventures today!

ENGAGE YOUR CROWD. WIN THE ROOM. DOMINATE THE FLOOR. ENGAGE YOUR CROWD. WIN THE ROOM. DOMINATE THE FLOOR.

The struggle is real. You’ve spent months planning the perfect tech conference. You’ve booked the speakers. You’ve polished the slides. But the second the lights go down, the blue glow of smartphones takes over the room. Attendees are checking emails. They’re scrolling through LinkedIn. They’re mentally checking out before the first coffee break.

The problem? Standard entertainment is boring. It’s passive. It’s expected. To win the battle for attention, you need something that demands a second look. You need AI technology that bridges the gap between the digital and physical worlds.

At East Coast Ventures (Sketching Robots), we live at the intersection of tech and “wow.” We’ve seen what works, and more importantly, what doesn’t.

Here are the top 10 tech conference entertainment ideas to keep your attendees present, engaged, and, most importantly, off their phones.

1. AI Portrait Robots , Live, in real time

The ultimate cure for the “phone-scroll” epidemic. There is something inherently mesmerizing about watching a machine create art. Our robotic drawing arms use intelligent algorithms to capture a guest’s likeness and sketch it onto paper in under 60 seconds.

It’s not just a drawing. It’s a performance. People don’t look at their phones when a robot is looking at them. They watch the pen move. They watch the lines form. They talk to the person next to them about how “cool” it is. This is where true connection happens.

→ The Keepsake Factor: Unlike a digital file that gets buried in a camera roll, guests walk away with a physical, branded piece of art. It’s a souvenir that stays on their desk for years. → Zero Latency: Our bots work fast. No long lines. Just pure, high-speed creativity. → No Internet? No Problem: We don’t need your venue’s spotty Wi-Fi. Our tech is self-contained and ready to roll.

2. Immersive AR Portals , Step into the future

Why just show a product when you can let people walk through it? Augmented Reality (AR) portals allow attendees to use tablets or their own devices (for a good reason this time!) to step into a virtual world.

When the content is this immersive, they aren’t “on their phones” in the traditional sense, they are using the tech as a lens to experience your brand. It’s active participation, not passive scrolling.

3. Digital Scavenger Hunts , The hunt is on

Turn your entire floor plan into a game. Use QR codes hidden at different services stations or sponsor booths.

• The Goal: Collect all tokens to win a high-tech prize.
• The Benefit: It forces people to move. It forces them to interact with sponsors.
• The Result: High-energy engagement that rewards curiosity.

4. Interactive Graffiti Walls , Digital street art

Let your attendees leave their mark. A digital graffiti wall uses infrared spray cans to allow guests to “paint” on a giant LED screen. It’s tactile. It’s colorful. It’s social.

Attendees often work together on a single mural, fostering creativity and collaboration. Plus, it makes for a killer photo op, the kind they actually want to share because they made it.

5. Drone Light Shows , Look up, way up

If you want to ensure no one is looking at a 6-inch screen, show them something 60 feet in the air. Indoors or outdoors, synchronized drone swarms can create logos, shapes, and animations in the sky. It is pure magic. It commands total visual attention. You can’t look away because you don’t want to miss the next transition.

6. Holographic Keynote Speakers , Is it real?

Standard video calls are exhausting. Holograms are exhilarating. Imagine a speaker beaming in from halfway across the world, appearing in 3D right on the stage. It adds a layer of “how did they do that?” that keeps the audience glued to the stage. It feels like the future is happening now.

7. High-Speed Hackathons , The rush of the build

For a tech-heavy crowd, nothing beats the thrill of a live build. Set up a glass-walled “war room” where developers tackle a specific problem in real-time.

Attendees can stop by, see the code on big screens, and vote on the best solutions. It turns the process of AI technology development into a spectator sport.

8. Speed Networking with AI Matchmaking , Smart connections

Networking is the #1 reason people attend conferences, yet it’s often the most awkward part. Use an AI-driven matchmaking app that tells guests exactly who they should talk to based on their interests.

→ The Hook: They get a notification to meet at a specific “Handshake Hub.” → The Benefit: No more wandering aimlessly. Just meaningful, high-value conversations.

9. Innovation Showcases & Pitch Slams , High stakes

Bring the “Shark Tank” energy to your event. Give startups 60 seconds to pitch their wildest ideas. Let the audience vote live using physical clickers (avoiding the phone distraction). The fast pace and high stakes keep the energy in the room at a boiling point.

10. Silent Discos or Learning Labs , Choose your vibe

Sometimes the noise of a trade show floor is too much. Silent headphone sessions allow attendees to tune into different audio channels. They can listen to a deep-dive tech talk or a high-energy DJ set, all while standing in the same room. It creates a personalized experience within a collective environment.

Why Sketching Robots is the King of Engagement

We know you have options. But here’s the truth: most entertainment is a flash in the pan. You see it, you forget it.

Our AI drawing robots provide something different. They provide a narrative.

“I was at this tech summit, and this robotic arm drew my face in 45 seconds.”

That’s a story. That’s a brand memory.

AVAILABILITY: NEW YORK – MIAMI – VEGAS – LONDON – TOKYO – WORLDWIDE AVAILABILITY: NEW YORK – MIAMI – VEGAS – LONDON – TOKYO – WORLDWIDE

“The robot was the absolute highlight of our booth. We had a line around the corner from the moment we opened until we packed up. Best lead magnet we’ve ever used.” , Mark T., Marketing Director at CloudScale

Reliability You Can Trust

We get it. High-tech can be high-stress. That’s why we’ve built our system to be bulletproof.

• Self-Sufficient: We don’t need your Wi-Fi.
• Small Footprint: We fit into almost any booth size.
• Full Branding: Every sketch is printed on paper featuring your logo and CTA.
• Fast Setup: We’re in and out without the headache.

Stop Settling for “Standard”

The era of the “boring conference” is over. Your attendees are tech-savvy. They are used to high-end visuals and instant gratification. If you don’t wow them, they’ll find someone else who will.

Give them a reason to put the phone in their pocket. Give them a reason to look up. Give them a reason to remember your brand long after the badges are thrown in the trash.

Ready to transform your next event?

Contact us today to book a robot for your next activation. We handle the tech; you take the credit.

THE FUTURE OF ENGAGEMENT IS HERE. IT’S ROBOTIC. IT’S REAL. IT’S SKETCHING ROBOTS.