The DFW Car & Toy Museum has introduced an unexpected crowd favorite among its collection of classic cars and rare collectibles: Fast Fred, a fully autonomous robotic floor scrubber that has captured visitors' attention with its racing-inspired personality. While designed for cleaning duties, this high-tech Tennant X4 ROVR has become one of the most discussed exhibits on the museum floor. The integration of autonomous innovation within a traditional car museum setting demonstrates how modern technology can enhance visitor experiences while maintaining the nostalgic appeal of automotive history.
Fast Fred was named in memory of museum founder Ron Sturgeon's late twin brother, a lifelong drag racer whose spirit continues through this surprising little speedster. The robotic cleaner features custom decals, an NHRA sticker, and a friendly smiley face on the front, allowing it to blend seamlessly among the museum's collection of muscle cars, racing legends, and automotive icons. During his three-hour cleaning sessions, Fast Fred navigates through the galleries with precision, politely pausing when visitors cross his path before accelerating away with the urgency of a race car.
Museum guests frequently stop to take photographs or cheer as the autonomous machine cruises past displays of chrome and horsepower. The museum's new facility at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth provides ample space for Fast Fred's operations within its 150,000 square feet of exhibition area. "In a museum built on speed, nostalgia, and the love of cars, it's only fitting that even our cleaning crew has racing DNA," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "Fast Fred keeps our floors spotless—and our visitors smiling."
The Tennant Company robotic scrubber represents the intersection of cleaning technology and automotive culture, powered by software provided by Brain Corp. This technological integration showcases how functional equipment can become part of the exhibition experience, representing an evolving trend in how cultural institutions engage with visitors. The museum continues to blend automotive history with modern technology, creating experiences that surprise and delight guests of all ages while demonstrating the potential for everyday technology to capture public imagination when presented in unexpected contexts.
