A robot was the leading attraction at the Bradford Science Festival’s opening yesterday evening.

Titan, a 9ft Robot, with whom the public can interact, was on site at the National Science and Media Museum in the city centre.

At a first glance, visitors were overwhelmed by Titan’s size and seemingly autonomous free will, but its handlers were never far away.

Titan opened the festival by demonstrating his intelligence and dancing skills.

A passer-by stopped when he heard the robot. Liam Exley, 31, from Buttershaw, was sprayed with water by Titan. He said: “He’s brilliant. At first I thought it was some guy in a suit.”

Visitors to the museum from outside Bradford were in for an unexpected surprise.

A couple. who were visiting from Holmfirth. said: “Absolutely intrigued. It’s eye catching. It’s amazing that someone built that.”

Robin Dark, festival director, said: “It seemed fitting to use Titan for the science festival’s opening as he is a crowd pleaser.

“We want to attract people who are interested in science but have never explored the subject.”

The robot will also feature throughout the festival as it runs into the weekend.

Titan’s opening visit yesterday was in aid of the part of the festival for adults only.

The ‘Lates’ event included talks and demonstrations on more challenging subjects.

The festival will form part of the UK’s Year of Engineering activities and the Great Exhibition of the North.

As well as in the museum, the event will also take place at Bradford’s City Park and The Broadway Shopping Centre.