Tomato-Feeding Robot

A Unique Promotional Invention

The "Tomato-Feeding Robot," more accurately named the "Tomatan," was a one-of-a-kind invention created by the Japanese juice company Kagome. It wasn't designed for large-scale agriculture, but rather for a highly specific and quirky purpose: to provide marathon runners with a fresh, juicy tomato while they ran. This wearable robot was a unique promotional campaign designed to highlight the health benefits of tomatoes.

Weighing about eight kilograms, the robot was strapped to a runner's back and shoulders. It had a small, rotating head that would mechanically "feed" a tomato from a reservoir to the runner's mouth, all with the push of a button. While it may seem like an unusual device, it was a memorable way to grab attention at the Tokyo Marathon and showcase Kagome's tomato products.

The Tomatan stands as a perfect example of a truly "1 in a million" invention. It shows how creativity and engineering can be used for promotional campaigns, turning a simple product into an unforgettable and inventive marketing tool that captures the imagination.

"The best marketing doesn't feel like marketing." - Tom Fishburne

A tomato-feeding Robot