Robot Toys
September 2, 2010
U.bo Invades, Eats, Poops
Phison Electronics demonstrated its new pet robot U.bo ("U" for you, "bo" for ball shape) at the recent Tokyo Toy Fair. The company calls it an alien spore but it seems more of an advanced Tamagotchi that needs feeding, cleaning up, and will amuse you by walking, speaking alien and interacting. The 10 x 8.5cm AI features mouse buttons, touch sensors and a couple of motors for movement. It will run for 14 hours on 2 AA batteries.
Via U.bo Magicland
August 31, 2010
Score! With RC Soccer Shoes
Enjoy soccer but would rather not expend the energy yourself? These RC shoes will compete for you in a heated competition with a bud. Available in red or blue, they are controllable by two levers and buzz around on 4 wheels moving forward, backwards, left or right. The pair comes with 2 goals and balls but you supply the batteries that should give you a running time of about 2 hours. The fancy footwear will set you back £24.95 (~$39.00.)
Via Pro-Idee
August 27, 2010
Must Have: Two Automated Pet Sitters
Let the Talk to Me Treat Ball amuse your dog when you haven't the time. The orb systematically speaks with a message that you record and dispenses treats randomly when your pooch rolls it around. Expect a fairly chunky pooch if you let him/her play too long.
And if your dog/cat likes to chase lights, the Frolicat Laser Bolt generates patterns automatically or manually. Insert 4 AA batteries (not included,) place it on a surface and it will run for 15 minutes at a time.
Via Interactive Pet Toys
August 10, 2010
R/C Millenium Falcon Takes Flight
Star Wars toys continue to crop up, like this Milllenium Falcon. The mini R/C flyer is made of foam and has a double bladed helicopter motor. On a full charge you get up to 5 minutes of invasion time. Expect an August delivery when you pre-order at a $44.99 price.
Via Star Wars Shop
August 9, 2010
U.R.I.-NAL 900, Relief At Last
We really dig the U.R.I.-NAL 900. In a limited edition of 50, the collector robot is 6 " tall, made of resin and can be yours for €55 (~$73.00.) Even if it doesn't talk and can't really help you out in the woods, Haute Scheer and his German company has come up with some of the best artwork and most imagination we have seen around here in a while. Look for an interview with Haute and review of URI in the near future.
Via Scheer-Imagination
August 6, 2010
Must Have: WowWee Roboscooper
By their own admission, WowWee's answer to Wall-E is Roboscooper, who will clean up on most types of terrain. With 6 wheels and multi-directional mobility, he can chat it up or issue sound effects while clearing an area or whacking objects. The mini service bot needs 6 AAA batteries and should ship the end of August at a price of $70.00. We will keep our eyes peeled for his arrival.
Via WowWee
August 4, 2010
Own a Mini AWESOM-O
So we are watching South Park reruns (Season 8, Episode 4/14/04) and out comes AWESOM-O, one of our fave Cartman characters. How truly gifted are Trey Parker and Matt Stone to make the military and Hollywood the only ones (besides Butters) who don't know he isn't a robot. It turns out that you can own a piece of AWESOM-O as an action figure, magnet or key chain.
Via South Park
July 8, 2010
Qualcomm Issues AR Development Challenge
They may not be headed for moviedom, but the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots are the main participants in Qualcomm's new mobile augmented reality platform. Even more fun for those who would like to play, the company has issued an Augmented Reality Developer Challenge with winnings of up to $200,000. Check out their beta now and prepare to play with their AR SDK when it is released this fall.
Via Qualcomm
June 23, 2010
Breezy Singer Could Fool Your Cat
Tomy, maker of all creatures robotic, created Breezy Singers Parakeets that sing with authentic sounds recorded by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Their heads, beaks and tails are activated by photo sensors and we are guessing that your cat might do a double take. Standing 2.25 x 9 x 6.25", each has an on/off switch and comes with batteries and stand. (Colors may vary.)
Via Breezy Singers Parakeets
May 28, 2010
Must Have: T3 Robot Kit
The T3 Solar Robot Kit lets you build a walking robot, scorpion or tank, each being motorized when completed. Recommended for those over the age of ten, the kit needs no glue or soldering and can run on a halogen bulb on overcast days.
Via T3
Solar Robot Kit
May 21, 2010
Must Have: Iron Man Interactive Helmet
So your kids can't get enough Iron Man? Let them freak out family members and small pets with a Helmet that is voice-activated. One button moves the slow release visor, the eyes light up and there are three different battle modes. Push the combat mission button and orders are given while the battle sounds button issues power-up, flight and combat sound effects. Recommended for kids over 8, batteries are included.
Via Iron Man Helmet
Petimos Screens For Cyberbullies
Parents will love it, kids will complain at the lack of privacy. Adrian David Cheok, from the National University of Singapore, is developing Petimos, a bot designed to hold questionable invitations on Facebook until a parent can check them. They can then be accepted or deleted. The furbot works with the social network Petimo-World and when a child squeezes the ear of their Petimo or pushes a button, they can send messages and/or virtual gifts to others online.
Via New Scientist
May 18, 2010
Fujitsu Teddy Bear Tormented
We would almost call this torture if it wasn't a toy. Fujitsu's Teddy Bear Robot is aimed at the very young and very old. With over 300 different responses and 13 sensors, it supposedly tracks via nose-mounted camera and smiles in reaction to a human. It will wave and kick its heels, but will fall asleep if you forget about it. No word on price, but after viewing the video we are thinking they might want to go back to the drawing board on this one.
Via Akihabara News
May 17, 2010
Get Your Own Giant Gundam
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Bandai's Gundam with one of your very own. For ¥315,000 (~$3,400) you can get a Limited Edition RX-78-2 that stands 1.5m tall, weighs 38kg and comes with a beam rifle, beam saber and shield. A hex wrench set is included for assembly.
Via Bandai (translated)
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