Robot Toys
March 10, 2010
Bots for Tots
Robots go plush with these three 8 x 2.5 x 13" Pillows. They are perfect for kids who could swallow small parts or are too young for metal bots. And when your toddlers tire out, lull them to sleep with this Robot Mobile from Tiger Tribe. Each of them is 4 x 2" and hangs from a stainless steel rod.
Via Robot Plush Pillows.
March 3, 2010
Cheeky Monkey Debuts at NY Toy Fair
One of the participants in the recent NY Toy Fair was the "Cheeky Monkey," designed by Nick Donaldson of Got Robots?. It can perform 16 actions via remote and should have a price of around $20 when released this summer from MechRC.
Via Robot Dreams
February 26, 2010
Robot Snob Must Have: Mighty Beans

We remember playing with actual jumping beans as kids and finding out that they were really worms inside a cocoon trying to get out. Somehow the cheapy plastic ones back them weren't nearly as much fun. Mighty Beanz one up that concept. They can race and flip down a tilted surface. Sold in 6-packs, they are technically not robots, but we bet the next generation will be.
Via Mighty Beanz
February 24, 2010
Senario's Zibits Almost Too Cute

Senario thinks tiny with their new line of Zibits. At a size of about 2.5" tall, the 12 different robodudes, with the help of a IR remote, can move forward or turn 360ยบ while chattering in a botty kind of way. Three button batteries come with them but you will need two AAA batteries to get them to go. At a price of only $9.99 each, look for them next month.
Via Zibits
February 24, 2010
Dr. Who Daleks Talk, Tell Time

"Dr. Who" fans can now rule the planet with the 13" Talking Dalek. Remote controlled, it moves pretty much as it does in the show and makes happy robot sounds.
The bot also comes in a smaller 2.5" version and a Sculpted Wall Clock.
Via "Dr. Who" Dalek
February 23, 2010
Quasi Visits the NY Toy Fair
Interbot brought Quasi (aka Q,) to the 2010 Toy fair in NY. Originally developed at Carnegie Mellon in 2006, the $80,000 bot is controlled by a wireless tablet PC with touchscreen. He can talk and make facial expression originating from the user, and can even change eye color and wiggle his ears. The company has plans to make a smaller version for real folks with real budgets.
Via engadget
February 19, 2010
Must Have: Zhu Zhu Pets 2010 Toy of the Year
Even with the vague threat of too much lead in their noses, the Zhu Zhu Pets were announced overall best from the 2010 Toy of the Year Awards. Lego's Mindstorms NXT 2.0 took top honors in the Educational category and was deemed "an outstanding toy that helps children develop special skills and knowledge through play." But then, we already knew that, right?
Other awards went to Mattel's Mindflex game, Spin Master's Air Hogs Zero Gravity Laser Car and Techno Source's Rubik's TouchCube.
Via Playthings
February 12, 2010
Must Have: The New and Improved Pleo
Pleo is back with new improvements and was shown off at the CES 2010 by his new owner, Innvo Labs. Changes include improved skin, a better paint job and a new charger. This is good news for both old and new fans who don't want the dinobot to become extinct.
Via PleoWorld
February 5, 2010
Robot Snob Must Have - Tribot

We are thinking that WowWee must be getting ready to debut a new bot as they are offering their Tribot at an amazingly cheap inexpensive 79% discount. Use his remote to get him to tell lame jokes or play games. The 15" high robot has 3 wheels, making him omni directional, and has multiple activity/alarm modes, several sensors and LED indicators. He also needs 8 AA and 3 AAA batteries, not included.
Via WowWee
January 27, 2010
Wind Up Bots Hang On

The Weeble-like No Fall Robots Wind Ups are only 2 x 1.5" each, but they still make great pals. Wind one up and let it loose on your desk or kitchen table and it will not fall off.
Via Wind Up Robots
January 21, 2010
AR.Drone Controlled by iPhone/iPod touch
The French Company Parrot debuted their AR.Drone at the CES 2010. The quadrocopter is controlled via iPhone or iPod touch via a WiFi connection. The robotic flyer has two cameras, an ultrasonic altimeter and a gyro/accelerometer based stabilization system. It also features an "augmented reality" system that allows users to game on the video feed or compete against other drones. While the company claims that the AR.D is "intuitive and user friendly," we expect it to move to military status sometime soon.
Via Parrot
December 30, 2009
Witness the Ultimate Buzz Lightyear

Buzz Lightyear has gone Ultimate. The 16" "Toy Story" star has 7 motors for his head and body, walks, talks and can be put in either 'Space Ranger' or 'Toy' mode. He responds to voice commands with over 100 phrases and with his IR remote, shoots his arm laser, can "give you five" and not only has body movement, he turns his head and blinks. Not recommended for kids under 3 years old, he comes with an interactive target game and has an autonomous roaming mode in case you don't have time to search beyond infinity. You can adopt Buzz, but remember that this is no minor toy as his 3 AAA and 11 AA batteries are not included.
Via Buzz Lightyear
December 25, 2009
Must Have - Hexbugs Take on Robotic Hamsters

Who needs a Zhu Zhu Pet ? When the original Hexbug Nanos were conceived, there were over 150 variations of legs alone tested, so you know that this robotic insect has a history. The final version allows the legs to bend and unbend allowing him to move forward. When you order, the color may vary, but you will get one that can not only flip over by itself but comes with an access code that allows you to go online and play games.
Oddly enough, your Nano can have its own Habitat beginning next month, leaving us to believe that the company really is after the robotic hamster market.
Via Hexbug Nanos

P.S. Happy Holidays, all! Remember that today is the day to give what you can to whomever you can. Greet your neighbors, feed a stray cat, love your enemies, and forgive everyone everything.
December 24, 2009
Man Marries Avatar from 'Love Plus'

We think that virtual reality can sometimes lead to strange addiction. Last week, Sal 9000, married an avatar named Nene Anegasaki from the Nintendo DS game "Love Plus." While thousands watched online, the 27 year old man, dressed in a tuxedo, went through the nuptial event. He started "dating" her in September and took her with him around Tokyo, Disneyland and a beach resort. Sal insists that he knows the it is a video game and that "I love this character, not a machine."
Via CNN