TDmonthly's Toy Fair 2007 Preview
Category: Robotics

Frightened Grasshopper Mini Solar Robot Kit by OWI INC.

Eyes jiggle, legs wiggle and antennae sway to-and-fro in the combo tango-jitterbug-Frightened Grasshopper dance. This little kit is an attention-grabber. Pint-sized and powered to pack a punch, this enticing amusing solar bug will capture kids’ hearts while demonstrating an alternative energy principle. No batteries or tools are required, and there are fewer than 10 parts to assemble. This product received a 2007 Seal of Excellence from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: February 2007.
— For promoting the use of solar energy in a hoppin’ way, this cute, little grasshopper received a TDmonthly Innovations 2007 award. It is simple to assemble and reacts immediately when placed under sunlight, clicking its legs across the ground as it rattles around, shivering with fear. ( Watch Video) 2/27/2007 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spykee Spy Robot Erector Set by MECCANO

This spy robot, equipped with a video camera, microphone, loudspeaker and two motors, can be controlled from a computer through WiFi connection, and from anywhere via the Internet. Able to move, take photos and record video and sound, the robot acts as a telephone, digital music player and video surveillance device, whereby it sends email alerts upon detecting movement. Spykee returns to his charging station when his battery is running low. Spykee “is not only an erector set, in which you can build three different models, but also a high-tech electronic toy with practical use — fun for both kids and adults!” Marsha Cannonie of Nikko America told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2007. 2/23/2007 (Price: $299.00)

RoboPanda by WOWWEE GROUP LTD.

Wow Wee is known for its robot dinosaurs and other heavily boy-oriented stuff, but here’s a change. A cuddly robot? Yup, the RoboPanda is an interactive, infrared and touch-sensitive, accelerometer-installed product of the 21st century that can tell stories, recognize its playmate, track objects, avoid obstacles and more. The Jetsons are now. It even has “moods.” It stands almost 2’ high and is just the right size around for hugging. David at Wow Wee was at a loss for more details, but said he’d been inundated with questions: “I don’t know anything other than lots of people seem to want to find out about it.” 1/30/2007 (Price: $229.00)

Mini Solar Robot Kits by OWI INC.

Let's meet OWI's new Mini Solar Robot and science kits. These frolicking fancies are easy to assemble and demonstrate alternative energy principles. They are simple and friendly, and will put a smile on any child 8 years and up. Happy Hopping Frog, Super Solar Racing Car, Frightened Grasshopper, Walking King Crab, and Attacking Inch Worm fit nicely into OWI's JR Science Series. Besides having jovial names, they have become our premiere entry level product. Because of their entry-level price points, retailers will grow fond of their movements; both off the shelf and after assembly. If a make-it-and-take-it type product is what you are looking for, these hands-on terrestrial tantalizers will make you the local hero. Our research team has found this product to be a distinct liking in educational programs such as after-school, summer and vacation programs. How about science workshops? You betcha! How about one-hour projects? Perfect! Let's show the kids how truly engaging science can be with OWI's new Mini Solar Robot and science kits.  ( Watch Video) 1/25/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

H-Bot by DYNATECH ACTION INC.

The world has been waiting for a new technology to take the toy industry by storm and turn it upside down. Dynatech Action is set to release a new innovation to the incredible hydrogen fuel-cell technology that was named as an Innovation of the Year in 2006 by Time Magazine. This year, Dynatech will launch H-Bot, an extension to this incredible technology with unlimited potential. The H-Bot is powered by a real hydrogen fuel cell that creates no combustion and is extremely safe to use. This futuristic hydrogen robot is an amazing way to demonstrate the use of cutting-edge alternative energy and allow Dynatech Action to seek out further ways to develop the technology. The H-Bot is truly the world’s smallest hydrogen robot. Launch date: September 2007. ( Watch Video) 1/11/2007 (Price: $99.99)

PlushBot by POUND DESIGNS

Kelly Pound’s artistically friendly robot-thingies aren’t made of scary metal, but are lovingly hand-stitched of felt and embroidery floss, and then covered with beads and rhinestones. Hence the name: PlushBots. Standing anywhere from 3” to 8” high, they are one-of-a-kind designs that bring humanity to our automaton friends. When asked about the PlushBots, art teacher and mom Molly O’Hanlon exclaimed: “He's pretty cute, but has a certain nervousness about him.” Camille, 13, thinks he's definitely “one of a kind and almost cuddly.” 12/21/2006 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Roly Poly Robot by OWI INC.

Roly Poly Robot will tumble, fumble, stumble but will find a way to right itself up. The moment you turn it on, Roly Poly will speed away on its two cyclonic wheels. The engineering genius behind this well thought-out machine enables it to get on its ‘feet’ whenever it tumbles and then will continue on its new path of exploration. After assembling one worm gear and less than 20 parts, your mechanical marvel is ready to amuse any household pet. Sounds fun eh? Well, can’t let the fun stop here. Let’s personalize our robot friend. You can add your original work of art (drawing), or picture of your favorite person or pet and put it inside the dome. Wow, that’s a great idea!

Discovery and cranial developmental products has enabled OWI to be a premier science kit provider. The kit engages learning about gear structure, battery wiring, switch, and motor principles.

Very easy to assemble, this OWIKIT “JR Science Series” robot is ideal for robotic workshops, after-school programs, special events, gifts, science enrichment camps, classroom activities and promotional products market. 12/5/2006 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Robotic Arm Training Kit by OWI INC.

The Robotic Arm Trainer teaches the basic robotic sensing and locomotion principles while testing your motor skill as you build and control the arm. You can command this unit with its five switch wired controller with lights to grab, release, lift, lower, rotate wrist, and pivot sideways 350 degrees. After assembly, observe the dynamics of gear mechanisms through the transparent arm. Five motors and five joints allow for flexibility and fun! For educators and home schoolers, you’ll find the robotics technology curriculum and personal computer interface useful tools.

It is honored by being selected by The Institute For Childhood Resources as “100 BEST CHILDREN’S PRODUCT”, and “10 BEST EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTS”. Also, Robotic Arm Trainer has received the prestigious International award for “Good Design”.

Five axes of motion
Base to rotate left and right: 350 degrees
Shoulder moving range: 120 degrees
Elbow moving range: 135 degrees
Wrist rotate CW & CCW: 340 degrees
Grimmer open & close: 50 mm (2.2 inches)

Product Dimensions
Maximum length outwards - 360 mm (14.2 inches)
Maximum heights upwards - 510 mm (20.1 inches)
Maximum Lifting Capacity - 130 g (4.6 oz.) 12/5/2006 (Price: $84.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Dream Pony by SEGA TOYS LTD.

The 1.2-meter tall, battery-operated Dream Pony (Yume-Kouma) is outfitted with sensors that enable it to react to its environment. Pet the pony’s neck and back and it shakes its head and moves its ears and tail in appreciation. Dream Pony also responds to audio and visual stimuli with a whole repertoire of reactions — including an anxious-sounding whinny when the room becomes dark and a jerk of the head in response to a sudden loud noise. Dream Pony also comes with a plastic carrot that it attempts to eat when held in front of its face. 10/23/2006 (Price: $600.00)

Mechanized Apollo Roboteer by METAL HOUSE JAPAN

This is a limited-edition Robot from Metal House Japan that was designed with Robot Island. The new design features beaming red eyes and adjustable antennas. Only 99 pieces will be produced worldwide. This dynamic 12” tall battery-operated robot is multi-functional with classic 1960s Rotate-O-Matic action, lighted eyes, lighted shooting sounds and mechanical walking action. The new look is reminiscent of the 1940s-style pulp-comic robots and is finished in a striking metallic blue with black feet. A Cockpit Driver steers this robot, defending the planet, as he destroys his enemies with laser-beam eyes. 10/4/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]