Get ready for the AI Slop-er Bowl!
After nearly 13 years, the Svedka Fembot—a big-breasted robotic baby—has returned, appealing to those with a sense of nostalgia. It’s coming back for its first Super Bowl ad, and it’s largely generated by AI. The vodka brand teamed up with Silveside AI for an advertisement that takes inspiration from the controversial “dystopian nightmare” Coca-Cola ad released in 2024.
The animated Fembot, a central figure in Svedka’s marketing strategy, is set to star alongside her new counterpart, Brobot. In a 30-second commercial, the duo dances in front of a lively crowd, seemingly enjoying Svedka products.
This ad features choreography created by 23-year-old Jessica Lizardi from Nashville, who was chosen through a brand contest aimed at promoting the ad, aptly named “Shake Your Bots Off.”
Sarah Saunders, the chief marketing officer for Sazerac, Svedka’s parent company, remarked, “Svedka has always positioned itself as the vodka of the future. So, how do we move the brand forward? By embracing elements we associate with the future, like AI.” Yet, she also emphasized that the ad aims to remind viewers about the necessity of maintaining a human connection amidst technology.
“We wanted to give the fembots more humanity relevant to today’s world,” Saunders explained. “It’s almost ironic that Fembot returns to underscore the importance of being a bit more human. She reflects aspects of our humanity—things we often overlook.”
Initial reactions on social media to Svedka’s AI-driven approach were mixed, with some skepticism surfacing. A Facebook user commented on a previous ad from November, questioning why vodka companies were using AI robots for advertisements. Another user expressed concerns over the bizarre turn society seems to be taking regarding technology and social media.
Past experiences with brands attempting to use AI for commercial production have also had their challenges. Coca-Cola faced backlash for a holiday ad generated by Real Magic AI, with one viewer labeling it a “creepy dystopian nightmare.”
Despite the criticism, Coca-Cola’s VP of generative AI, Pratik Thakar, remained optimistic about the future of AI in advertising, stating that its speed makes it a significant advantage over traditional methods.
