Why is Tim the gate guard in the movie Robots so familiar?

Just watched Robots on DVD with the kids; what is it about Tim (the puppet-like robot guarding the Bigweld Corporation gate) that makes him so familiar to me?; why do I get the impression I’ve seen (and heard) something almost exaclty like him before? It’s like having a name on the tip of your tongue, except it’s a voice, images and gestures.

I’m aware that his voice is reminiscent of Pinnochio in the Shrek movies, but that isn’t what I’m recalling, at least I don’t think so.

He’s based on Kukla the clown from Kukla, Fran & Ollie.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen that.

Errr… I don’t think so. I’m pretty sure he’s actually based on the puppets from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.

It’s acknowledged in the DVD commentary.

Really? Hmmm. Really seemed to act like an evil version of the Mr Rogers puppets. It was the kind of joke I expected to see on Family Guy or something.