SHOPPERS in Darlington town centre may have bumped into an unexpected guest today (Friday, December 5) as an eight feet tall robot entertained onlookers.

Titan the Robot was in Joseph Pease Place with Arriva, to launch the company’s new MAX buses which sport free WIFI and new seats, along with other features.

Titan is no stranger to crowds - having performed with stars such as Will.i.am and Rihanna, the mammoth machine was comfortable and confident with his Darlington audience.

The buses will go into service on the X66, X26 and X27 routes. Once introduced, roughly a quarter of Arriva North East’s fleet will have been upgraded.

The robot, described on his website as “quite literally the biggest entertainer on the planet”, has also appeared in a variety of countries and places, from the Chelsea Flower Show to the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Nick Knox, area managing director for Arriva North East, said: “We know that our passengers want quick, no fuss, links into the town centre, and MAX does just that.

“We’ve already had great feedback about the free WIFI and new interiors.

“As a company we are always looking into new technologies and concepts in order to enhance the journey experience, so what better way to celebrate the launch of MAX than with a world famous robot.”