Toy Sleuth: Helicopting Head Turns Heads

Fake Flying, Fake Ants and Ride-on Luggage Get Hunted Down

By Mark Zaslove
October 2006

Scouring the globe for the latest, greatest new toys and knickknacks, the TDmonthly Magazine Toy Sleuth picked up electrical ants, locomoting luggage, robots that eat pencils, and a helicopting head:

Ants in the Pants ... er, Palms

Ant farms, perennial favorites for more than 70 years, have leaped into the 21st century with Bandai’s (ToyDirectory) Ant’s Life Studio Virtual Ant Farm. Set for release next month in Japan, this virtual ant-farm simulator could become the next Tamagotchi.

“This toy can be used as a snazzy interior decoration,” a Bandai Japan spokeswoman, Ms. Taneda, explained to TDmonthly. “Or else stressed-out employees can keep it on their desks and be comforted just by watching the ‘ants’ work.”

Unfortunately, according to Darin Tambascio, senior account executive for The Rogers Group, which represents Bandai America, it might not make it to the United States. But there’s some uncertainty about that, so cross your antennae.

Take a Seat(case)

“Are we there yet? Are we there yet?” Kids and traveling don’t mix, but award-winning entrepreneur/designer Rob Law of Magmatic/Trunki created the Trunki as part luggage, part toy, all fun. “I had an idea to utilize the wasted space found in ride-on toys, so I designed a hard suitcase-like shell that would be fun to ride yet also function as hand luggage.”

The award-winning design prevents children from damaging their backs by carrying heavy bags, Law explained. Crafted in brightly colored, durable plastic, they are “hand-luggage approved.”

Tierney Fox of the Trunki Press Office (Dangling Carrot PR) told TDmonthly, “They’re selling marvelously! We have various retail channels here (Britain), and international pickup (especially in Japan and Australia) is promising. We have ‘spotted’ photos sent in from all parts of the world.”

Stay Ahead of the Game ... a Head, Get It?

With the Nintendo Wii coming out shortly, sporting a motion-sensitive controller, the whole “body-movement” game idea is taking off. For Doraemon fans, that’s literal: The Epoch Corporation Ltd. Doraemon Game with strap-on helicopter hat, or “takekoputa” (a Japanese combination of helicopter and ... uh, some other word), allows the player to fly around in a game using only his or her head. Strap on the electronic “beanie," plug the base station into a monitor, and any motion of the head — forward, back, right or left — makes Doraemon fly the same direction inside the game. It comes with a story mode, 10 mini-games, and a free mode where the child can fly around and explore Japan from the skies.

A Robot in the Hand ... Is Worth a Pencil

Pencils and robots will never be the same again. This latest ‘bot by Famemaster, the Robot X Sharpener (looking like very famous sci-fi robots from past and future), are wound up by sharpening a pencil, which sets the clockwork mechanism into motion so the ‘bots can walk along to terrorize the world. A key is provided for those times when no pencils are on hand.

TDmonthly's been told that the Robot X Sharpeners often sell out. “It’s a cute item that’s doing better than forecast,” said the pleasant folks at HearthSong in Madison, Va. Sophie Williams, marketing manager of Hawkin’s Bazaar in Norfolk, England, found that it’s “selling very well — mainly to adults, although they might be presents for children. We’re surprised at the sudden popularity of the item.”

These are the latest to pop their heads above the radar. Take a look and have some fun:

Ant's Life Studio by BANDAI AMERICA INC.

This handheld electronic ant farm has electronic ants that scurry about, dig holes, feed their queen and do all the “anty” things ants do, like destroying nests, finding yummy caterpillars and — if they’re not careful — getting eaten by passing spiders. Unlike a real ant farm, this thing will never accidentally unleash ants into the wild of a child’s bedroom. 9/21/2006 (MSRP: $69.00; Age: 8 and Up)

Trunki Ride On Luggage by MAGMATIC LTD.

Trunki Ride On Luggage by MAGMATIC LTD. Globetrotting children can pack, carry, rest on and ride on this innovative luggage. Generously sized, it is made from durable, brightly colored polypropylene, and has a wide, stable wheelbase and a shoulder strap. Trunkis let toddlers participate in the traveling experience in a practical, safe and fun manner. Soft rubber rims prevent little fingers from being caught, and the wheelbase ensures safe riding around airport terminals. TrendyKid is a distributor of the Trunki. ( Watch Video) 9/21/2006 (MSRP: $40.00; Age: 3 to 6)

Doraemon Game With Strap-On Helicopter Hat by EPOCH CORP. LTD.

Fans of Doraemon will rejoice knowing that there is a new Doraemon-based game in town that uses the “takekoputa” as a navigation device. The control scheme goes one up on the Nintendo Wii, as players are required to wear the takekoputa on their heads, leaning in all four directions like a traditional D-pad to control Doraemon as he flies through the air. It is powered by four batteries. 9/21/2006 (MSRP: $40.00; Age: 4 and Up)

Robot X Sharpener by FAME MASTER ENTERPRISE LTD.

Robot X Sharpener by FAME MASTER ENTERPRISE LTD. This smart little robot performs a function as well as entertains. Sharpening a pencil winds up the mechanism that makes it walk along. A key is also provided for when a pencil is not handy. It comes in assorted classic sci-fi designs in various colors. It’s a really cute item. 9/21/2006 (MSRP: $4.95; Age: 5 and Up)