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November 2014 Notable Toys — Science & Nature

By TDmonthly Staff

Kingii Dragon Robot
From: OWI INC.

Other products from OWI INC.

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Specialty: Yes (as of 2014)
Gender: Boys And Girls

Category:

Robotics
Electronics
Science & Nature

Native to Australia, chalamydosaurus kingii or frilled lizard is one of the wackiest lizards to roam planet Earth. So in order to keep young lizard enthusiasts out of harm’s way, OWI has created a freakish robot lizard that is actually fun to play with. The Kingii Dragon Robot is a smart super lizard with artificial intelligence (AI). Similar to the original from Australia, when this robot feels threatened, it gapes its mouth, flashes its eyes, and dramatically spreads and flaps its frill (pleated material that encircles its head) in a threatening manner. If you are not intimidated by these shenanigans, it then turns around, front and back legs erratically move as if it were scampering away from danger.

Kingii Dragon Robot by OWI has an infrared sensor that is programmed to “escape” or “follow-me”. If the infrared sensor is activated in the “escape” mode the robot will automatically act “shocked!”, spreading its frill, dropping its jaw, illuminates its bicolor LED eyes and will scurry away from you until it escapes to a safe distance. If the infrared sensor is switched to the “follow-me” mode using the 2 way function switch, then the robot will assess danger by bluffing the attacker (unfurling and shaking its frill). When the robot does not sense danger it will proceed to follow you like a pet lizard. Thank goodness, that unlike the wacky frilled lizard that roams in Australia’s tropical woodland, OWI’s Kingii Dragon Robot is whimsically kooky and fun to build.

Turn this plastic mason-style jar into your own little habitat with real plants and tiny figurines. Set includes a 5” h x 3 ¼” w jar, decorative lid, potting mix, organic chia and wheat grass seeds, garden figurines, decorative sand, river stones and a plant mister. Add dimension to your garden with translucent and glow-in-the-dark stickers – hold it up to the light and watch the fireflies glow.
— In a September 2014 survey, three out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that this product was one of their top-two best-selling science & nature toys.
— Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barston's Child's Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in October 2014 that this was one of her store's best-selling jewelry and accessories item.
Awards: 2014 TDmonthly Magazine Top Toy Award

Part pet, part toy, the HEXBUG Aquabot 2.0 provides kids with the fun experience of having a pet fish, without all the messy clean-up. The portable fishbowl allows kids to bring their pet fish with them wherever they go! Includes repositionable background and name tag. HEXBUG Aquabot 2.0 is available in two styles, the Angelfish and Hammerhead Shark, and ten translucent colors. The Aquabot 2.0 swimmers are equipped with an inner pulsating LED glow and a hi-tech sensor allowing you to wake the sleeping fish by tapping on the tank. Styles and colors are selected randomly at time of shipment based on availability.
— Mary Tague from Toy Town in Key Biscayne, Fla., told TDmonthly in an April 2015 survey that the Aquabot was their best-selling bath toy.

Use a recycled soda can to make a fun and educational motorized gondola cable car. Assemble the support and motor, attach a soda can and decorate it with the included stickers. Set up the cable string and watch your gondola travel along the cable. Requires 2 AAA batteries, not included. Made by 4M - Toysmith.
— In a March 2015 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that 4M from Toysmith is their best-selling line of eco-friendly toys.