There are, to date, four Batman robots. It has proved to be an interesting subject, more closely allied to Japanese super hero toys rather than traditional robots.

1 Nomura Batman dates from around 1966. It is a substantial robot (30 cm) with a simple action: Batman walks forward with swinging arms while his vinyl head lights up. The molds for this toy were put to considerable use in the production of a wide range of super hero toys. I do not know whether Batman was the first in line.

This robot is subject to deterioration of the cape, which often lies under the body during long storage. The correct cape also has a yellow bat logo stencilled on it. A tiny yellow bat-shaped metal clip secures the cape to the body, and this often disappears. The box is predominantly white with a picture of Batman leaping into action. It is difficult to obtain a box in good condition. I have also found that the battery cover damages easily, often as a result of corrosion. In England this toy was distributed by the Fairylight company, and the boxes carry an extra logo.

Whilst not rare, this toy is coveted by several groups of collectors and it sells for substantial sums in the box. Tales of a Robin version are probably related to the Tada version.

2 Bandai produced a smaller Batman robot. It stands only 26cm tall and is altogether more juvenile in appearance. The batteries are located in the legs and the action is similar to the Nomura. The distinctive addition is the lighting bat logo in the chest. This is a rare toy and I have no record of a selling price.

Recently my friend Sindbad discovered this rarity. It's a vinyl and tin Bandai Batman. There's more body sculpting, but the cape looks to be the same. A real rarity.

3 Tada is a company better known for producing Japanese super heroes, but their great rarity is the long-legged clockwork Batman. It's only slightly taller than the Nomura (31 cm) but its slender structure and its exaggerated legs make it a distinctive robot. There is definitely a Robin version of this robot, with a price tag that would make your hair curl.
 

4 If the price puts you off then you can settle for the Billiken Batman. This clockwork toy is a spin-off from the recent Batman film and is portrayed in the black body armor style with vinyl cape. It's a simple but appealing toy based on the much-used Billiken pressing. It was produced in considerable quantities, 5000 being one figure I have seen. The original selling price took a dramatic nose dive, though it has now recovered and beginning to go into profit.

For the sake of completeness I should add the Billiken Joker, a brightly coloured companion piece to Batman, based on Jack Nicholson's role.