[1] Since 2014, it has stood in front of the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) on Walnut Street in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, United States.

Its whimsical facial expression and heart are made of neon tubing behind clear plastic covers.

On its outstretched left arm, an LED display features rotating messages, including the time and temperature.

[3] Metrobot's functional components, including the clock and payphone, are a commentary on people's preference for experiencing the world through technology and electronic media rather than physically.

[2][1][9] At the suggestion of gallerist Carl Solway, CAC director Jack Boulton selected Paik, who was known for fashioning robot sculptures out of television sets.

Designer Thomas Strohmaier of Broadway Sign Company partnered with Paik to fabricate the sculpture.

[5][6] Metrobot was unveiled on October 27, 1988, at a ceremony with balloons, robot cookies, and the Lockland High School marching band.

Metrobot had become a target for graffiti, the caulking between its feet and the concrete platform needed repair, and two of its video monitors had stopped working.

[5] The restored sculpture was installed on August 29, 2014,[16] and switched on for the first time on September 10, with a dance party and performance by MK Guth.