You could hear the gasps when someone set eyes on it…

Mouths were wide open, eyebrows were raised, and there was a mix of shock and surprise on people’s faces…

Folks in Times Square weren’t sure whether to smile or to take a step back.

After all, what they were seeing was like something out of a Will Smith sci-fi movie. Only this time, there was no real threat taking place… just the promise of the future meeting the present.

A 4-foot-tall humanoid was roaming New York City. The silver and black robot was crossing streets, waving at people, and running around Times Square.

Everywhere, onlookers pulled phones out of their pockets. And I admit, I took my fair share of videos and pictures. But this experience was just an added bonus to the real reason I’d traveled to New York…

I’d been invited to join the robot in ringing the opening bell of the Nasdaq on 43rd Street on June 25. Here’s a picture from the ceremony. I’m the second guy to the left of the robot…