Creation
The 1978 Fantastic Four cartoon couldn't use the Human Torch. Despite what an urban myth said, the reason was due to the rights being brought for a Human Torch solo movie (which was never made). As such, the show needed a fourth member. Stan Lee pitched the idea for H.E.R.B.I.E. Dave Cockrum was suppose to design the character, but he hated the character too much. As such, Jack Kirby designed him instead.Comics Biography
H.E.R.B.I.E. was introduced in the comics shortly after he appeared in the cartoon. He was created by Master Xar and Mister Fantastic to help them defeat the villain Sphinx. However, Master Xar's enemy Doctor Sun's consciousness escaped into the robot's body. Sun used the robot as sleeper agent. He freed Blastaar (who was trapped in the Negative Zone) to kill Mr. Fantastic (although this failed). Later, Sun revealed the truth. He trapped Human Torch and Invisible Woman via the Baxter Building's security system and beat up Mr. Fantastic and the Thing. Sun transferred his mind to the Baxter Building's computer, but Reed locked Sun in the computer. H.E.R.B.I.E. (figuring out Sun could take over his body) crashed himself into the computer thus killing the both of them. A new Humanoid Experimental Robot B-Type Integrated Electronics was built to keep Franklin (Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman's son) safe. However, Fraklin's fluctuating powers destroyed the second H.E.R.B.I.E. Several other H.E.R.B.I.E. robots were made. A version of the Humanoid Experimental Robot B-Type Integrated Electronics appeared at the Smithsonian.Powers
In all versions, H.E.R.B.I.E. can access tons of information and data. He is able to interface with most computers (including the Baxter Building's). While not very agile or fast, he can fly via his build-in jets. Some versions have a variety of gadgets such as tentacles and retractable manipulators.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H.E.R.B.I.E.
http://www.comicvine.com/herbie/4005-23720/
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