This came up in one of my other guitar forums. The majority of responders stated the same things. Gibson needs to stick with selling LPs, Vs, Explorers, 335s, SGs, etc. My $.02 was this. While we certainly wouldn't buy one of these, others will. It is a way to introduce the younger, tech savy generation to Gibson. GC has sold every Robot LP they received. Some were bought sight unseen, and some locations sold out before they even arrived.
Did we not just discuss how the Ric 360 was outdated and could stand a little facelift? I'm not suggesting the Robot or Dark Fire is the only or best way to do this. Some Gibson LPs are now being sold with Original FRs factory installed. The LP Standard is chambered again and neck profile has been altered. The chambering and new neck profile have met great resistance too. 20 years from now, we might look back and laugh, "Remember the Robot LP? What was Gibson thinking?"
Oh well, if the Robot or Dark Fire isn't for us, everything they make doesn't have to be. Gibson in general isn't for everyone. BTW, release date is 12/15. Just in time for Christmas. You can bet these will be a lot of beginner instruments for children with well-to-do parents thinking, "They don't have to tune it."