ToyDirectory
November 22, 2024

TDmonthly Magazine

May 2010 | Vol. IX - No. 5


Robots and RC Toys Fascinate on Camera

Bugs and Penguins Get Into the Action

By Julie L. Jones
May 2010

Bossa Nova Robotics' Penbo Penguin nurtures its furry young, and Innovation First's Hexbug Nanos scatter in a fascinating and frightening way! Miss Toy Fair or the Western States show? See how these robots and remote-controlled toys move in the 2010 trade show videos below.

HEXBUG Nano Micro Robotic Creatures by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

HEXBUG Nano Micro Robotic Creatures by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.This small, 12-legged microrobotic creature is battery powered and designed to behave just like a real bug. It moves very quickly and can even flip over by itself. Five colors are available in the Newton Gravity Series. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: Fall 2009.
— Chris Lowe, owner of Bean Head Toys in Sandy Springs, Ga., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that she sells between 20-30 items from the HEXBUGS line each month.
— Christine Osborne, co-owner of Wonder Works in Charleston, S.C., has a Hexbug Nano Habitat set up in the store. They've sold ''thousands,'' she said; she couldn't even guess at an exact number.
― “Hexbugs are doing very well,” said Jenny Bramhall, owner of Dandelion Toys in Fort Collins, Colo., in summer 2010. Fifteen percent of 40 retailers polled in June 2010 said Hexbugs are their best-selling electronic item.
— Hexbugs were great sellers at Figpickels Toy Emporium in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in Aug. 2010. “They fill the affordable techno/RC need - grab and go,” said owner Brett Sommer.
AWARDS: 2010 TDmonthly Top Seller (Watch the HEXBUG Nano Micro Robotic Creatures Video Watch Video) 11/9/2009 (MSRP: $9.99)


Prime-8 Action Robot by BOSSA NOVA ROBOTICS

Prime-8 is a fast and agile gorilla robot that does everything from play laser tag to run with your kids down hallways. He explores his own surroundings or responds to remote control. He is silly, occasionally rude, and goes crazy when disturbed in his sleep! Prime-8’s intense interactivity is powered by a battery of sensors that allow him to respond to people and to his environment. Internal sensors measure his orientation constantly, and prompt him to right himself should he fall down. Outbound sight and sound sensors help Prime-8 maneuver around obstacles, respond to questions with grunts and growls, and express himself. Finally, motion detection sensors keep Prime-8 alert so that he can chase away intruders by firing rockets! (Watch the Prime-8 Action Robot Video Watch Video) 8/24/2009 (MSRP: $99.99; Age: 8 and Up)


BIOLOID Do-it-yourself Educational Robot Kit by ROBOTIS

BIOLOID Do-it-yourself Educational Robot Kit by ROBOTISWith strong plastic pieces and robotic capabilities, this build-a-robot kit requires only a Philips head screwdriver and creativity for construction. Individuals can build a humanoid, a puppy, a dinosaur, an excavator and other machines, all of which utilize a sensor module that can sense distance and detect sound, Dynamixel DC servo modules that allow for a broad range of motion, and a CM-5 central controller module. The included computer programs can be used to create robot behaviors and movements. Three kits — Beginner, Comprehensive and Expert — are available. 2/27/2008


Penbo penguin by BOSSA NOVA ROBOTICS

Penbo is a lovable interactive penguin that sings, talks, dances and plays games with you and her surprise Bebe. She responds to touch and sound and communicates with her Bebe through infrared sensors. Penbo also plays five games with you and Bebe; the more you play, the happier she becomes! Penbo is an autonomous robot designed to move like a penguin and interact with you and her Bebe through an array of sensors. She is aware of her surroundings, loves to dance, plays games and talks with Bebe in Penguish, her own language. Press Penbo’s heart to reveal a surprise egg with her Bebe inside; each color Bebe interacts differently with Penbo. (Watch the Penbo penguin Video Watch Video) 8/24/2009 (MSRP: $79.99; Age: 4 and Up)


Wind-up Workshop Robots by CREATIVITY FOR KIDS

Wind-up Workshop Robots by CREATIVITY FOR KIDSThese create-your-own whimsical wind-ups with this set. The Wind-up Workshop Robots come with five wind-up mechanisms, colorful cardboard robot cut outs, retro-robot stickers, wiggly eyes, sticky foam shapes, eight mini markers and more. (Watch the Wind-up Workshop Robots Video Watch Video) 4/16/2010 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 7 and Up)


Hot Wheels Stealth Rides by MATTEL INC.

Hot Wheels Stealth Rides by MATTEL INC.Mattel has launched the first foldable, credit car size, R/C cars - The Hot Wheels Stealth Rides. The line features five models, including Batman's Tumbler and 2 tanks. Stealth Rides are compact and fit perfectly into a child's pocket. At a push of a button, the cars transform into a remote-control vehicle.
Awards:  2010 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Platinum. (Watch the Hot Wheels Stealth Rides Video Watch Video) 3/24/2010


Air Hogs R/C Vectron Wave by SPIN MASTER TOYS

Air Hogs R/C Vectron Wave by SPIN MASTER TOYSThe Vectron Wave is a hand-size UFO that is equipped with a state-of-the-art level sensor allowing the Vectron Wave to sense objects below it and thus automatically adjust its height accordingly to hover above them. With this built-in automatic level sensor, the Vector Wave does not need a remote control and is guided by a wave of your hand (or other object). Requires 1 LIPO battery (included) and 6 AA batteries (not included). Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010
— "I thought this product was great and placed an order for it at the show, " Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010. (Watch the Air Hogs R/C Vectron Wave Video Watch Video) 2/15/2010 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 8 and Up)


OLLO Action Kit by ROBOTIS

OLLO Action Kit by ROBOTISThis robot construction kit includes pieces for children to make animals and figures that move via a one-geared motor. (Watch the OLLO Action Kit Video Watch Video) 3/30/2010 (MSRP: $29.90; Age: 8 and Up)


R/C Helicopter by SKYWIDE LIMITED

R/C Helicopter by SKYWIDE LIMITEDThree channel remote-controlled helicopter with gyroscope technology. Launch date: 2010. (Watch the R/C Helicopter Video Watch Video) 3/30/2010


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