TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Robotics Product Category

HEXBUG Ant by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

Joining the company's family of micro-robotic creatures, this six-legged ant features thin, mobile antennas and travels very quickly. Launch date: February 15, 2009. 1/28/2009 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SmartLab You Build It RoboXplorer by SMARTLAB TOYS

Kids can build a multi-terrain robotic vehicle, complete with six S-shaped legs designed to conquer tough terrains, such as sand, rocks, and grass. They'll test its limits by towing toy cars, climbing a stack of books, or negotiating a wall. Includes instructions for five guided projects that touch upon the science of motion and energy to explain why RoboXplorer reacts differently to various terrains. ( Watch Video) 12/12/2008 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

HEXBUG Crab by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

Measuring just six centimeters long, each battery operated HEXBUG Crab is loaded with robotic intelligence. The six-legged creature feels its way around while sensing objects in its path and avoiding them. Users interact with the bug by tripping the sound sensor with a hand clap or loud noise, which sends it crawling off in a new direction. Launch date: September 29, 2008. 12/12/2008 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Phantom Self-Moving Chess by EXCALIBUR ELECTRONICS

Excalibur Electronics presents Phantom Force, a powerful chess set with one incredible trick–it moves pieces all on its own. Utilizing the latest in micro motor and magnet technology, Phantom Force brings chess computing into the 21st century. Phantom Force will play Knights, Pawns and other pieces, sliding them into position as if an invisible hand were controlling it. "Phantom Force Chess offers a wide variety of features, including sound effects, voice vocabulary in three languages, hint button, coaching mode, teaching mode for new players, time control, built-in dual chess clock display, in-game memory, adjustable LCD contrast, [and] auto-shut off, and [it] is designed with a storage compartment to hold your chessmen," Meg Sahdala, senior product manager at Excalibur Electronics Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.
— As of 1.06.2011 this product was listed as a bestseller in the Games & Puzzle category on Toysrus.com. Pros: Helps hone logic skills; can be played alone. 10/27/2008 (Price: $249.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ampbot by HASBRO INC.

From Tiger Electronics, this remote-controlled, 29" dancing robot moves and two wheels and can tote an iPod or MP3 player on its back. Equipped with flashing LED lights, stereo speakers and hands shaped like turntables, the Automated Music Personality robot uses Dynamic Balancing Technology in order to move in a way that seems to defy the laws of gravity. Launch date: November 2008. 10/3/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

HEXBUG Inchworm by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

The HEXBUG Inchworm is the first Micro Robotic Creature in the HEXBUG line to feature a full-function IR remote control. Users drive the Inchworm forward, back, left and right. A and B control bands allow users to control two Inchworms at once or multiple Inchworms on the same band. The product features a unique crawling and pirouette motion around its center pod foot. "This unique HEXBUG Micro Robotic impulse item is offered in a five-pack impulse counter display with five-color variety assortment," Joel Carter, VP of marketing for Innovation First, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 15, 2008.
— The Inchworm has been a top seller at Pufferbellies in Staunton, Va., for at least a year, according to co-owner Susan Blanton in fall 2009.
— The Hexbug Inchworm is a popular item at the Toy Shop of Concord in Concord, Mass., Owner David Hesel told TDmonthly in late 2009. ( Watch Video) 10/2/2008 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

ROBOTIX Mars Exploration Rover by ROBOTICS AND THINGS

Developed from the ROBOTIX Parts Catalog exclusively from www.roboticsandthings.com is a replica of the Mars Spirit and Mars Opportunity Rovers. Based upon the actual designs with schematics and diagrams from NASA, an instruction Manual and other collateral materials have been created for this set. 9/16/2008 (Price: $199.99)

Robot Inventor's Workshop Kit by ROBOTICS AND THINGS

The Robot Inventor's Workshop Kit was originally marketed in a 4-Color Box that has been replaced with a kid-friendly Heavy-Duty PVC Zipper Bag for easy storage of the ROBOTIX Motor, Controller and Parts.  The Handbook is professionally printed with a 4-Color Cover and Black & White Pages full of diagrams and robotic instructional programs.  The 23-Parts include a Low-Speed Motor, a Black 1-Switch Controller with Easy-Opening Clip, ROBOTIX Arms in both 50mm and 100mm length in 2-different colors and ROBOTIX Connectors in Black. 9/16/2008 (Price: $34.99)

Skeleflex Powerflex Lab by WILD PLANET

Bring custom creatures to life with this ball-and-socket building system composed of bone-shaped pieces and flexible joints that attach to a motorized platform. A step-by-step guide is included. “After you build your creation, you can bring it to life by hooking it up the motorized lab,” Wild Planet Media Relations Manager Kim Bratcher, told TDmonthly. “Connecting bones and flexible joints to form a dinosaur, alien or other fantastical creature is fun – but adding the mad scientist aspect of connecting the lifewire to its spine and controlling the speed and direction of the model’s movement is beyond what standard building sets offer.” Launch date: Fall 2008. 5/21/2008 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Flytech Tinker Bell by WOWWEE GROUP LTD.

Disney Consumer Products collaborated with WowWee, a leading developer of innovative hi-tech consumer robotic and entertainment products, for the creation of an elegant flying toy wonder inspired by Tinker Bell. Disney Fairies fans will get big thrills with Tinker Bell, a vertical flyer featuring enchanting flight patterns, graceful wing design and a flower wand remote controller designed specifically for children’s hands. Users can control the height and speed of the Tinker Bell flyer with ease, allowing her to soar, dive and glide. Her light-weight, crash-resistant materials prevent her from getting into mischief. Featuring a dual-wing design to provide lift and propulsion, the Tinker Bell flyer brings the magic of flight to the hands of a younger generation of girls. The product requires 4 AA batteries. Launch date: Autumn 2008. 5/8/2008 (Price: $39.99)

Disney Ultimate WALL•E by THINKWAY

The robotic toy comes with 10 motors, allowing it to move freely and creatively. Kids can pre-program Wall•E’s moves by creating patterns on the remote control’s touch pad. The robot also features voice activation, a follow-me mode, built-in speakers for music playback, different emotional states, sensors that allow him to detect his environment and respond accordingly and much more. Launch date: Fall 2008. 5/8/2008 (Price: $189.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Robot Kit by ROBOTIS

The kit is designed for children, allowing them to easily create a variety of unique robots. Launch date: February 2008. ( Watch Video) 4/18/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Elmo Live by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Suitable for ages 18 months and up, Elmo Live sings, dances and speaks. It can even be programmed to repeat a child’s name. “For the first time ever, Elmo seems to actually be speaking as his mouth opens and closes just like he does on 'Sesame Street,' while he gestures with his arms, sits, stands and even crosses his legs ... all the while telling stories and jokes, singing songs and playing games,” Gina Sirard, vice president of marketing for Fisher-Price Friends, told TDmonthly. 2/27/2008

D-REX™ Dinosaur by MATTEL INC.

The robotic dinosaur appears and behaves realistically. The toy walks, chomps his jaw, bares his teeth, wags his tail, roars and more in response to stimulation and what he wants. The D-Rex responds to touch, voices and more. “D-Rex combines robotics, proprietary software and reptilian skin to create a life-like appearance and behavior,” Michele Sturdivant, director of PR and communications for Mattel Brands, told TDmonthly. Launch date: Fall 2008. 2/27/2008 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

BIOLOID Do-it-yourself Educational Robot Kit by ROBOTIS

With 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 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Roboni-i Programmable Gaming Robot by ROBONICA

The Roboni-i features a programmable, remote-controlled robot that is equipped with sensors so it is aware of its environment. It is created especially for gaming and can function alongside other robots. The Starter Pack includes one Roboni-i robot, a remote controller, an infrared pod, a ball scoop, an electronic-game accessory, two electronic-game tags, an electronic ball, instructions, a USB cable, computer software, and five action games with remote-control reference cards. 2/19/2008

Spykee Micro by MECCANO

This robot is a miniature of the original Spykee. It has a simple remote control and the ability to move forward, backward and turn 360 degrees. It comes in four colors. Launch date: Late 2007. 2/19/2008 (Price: $24.99)

VEX RCR Mini by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

The VEX Mini is an open-ended robotics platform that includes all the parts and accessories inventors and hobbyists need to design and construct a radio-controlled and programmable robot. VEX Mini incorporates the same fun and challenges of the very successful VEX Robotics Design System, but at half the size and half the price. Launch date: August 2008. ( Watch Video) 2/12/2008 (Price: $99.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

VEX Robotics Design System (Starter Kit) by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

The VEX Robotics Design System is an open-ended robotics platform that includes all the parts and accessories young inventors and hobbyists need to design radio-controlled and programmable robots. VEX allows users to explore the possibilities of science, technology, engineering and math in an entirely new way, making VEX an ideal tool for teaching robotics the in the classroom. (Requires Programming Kit) 2/12/2008 (Price: $299.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

HEXBUG Micro Robotic Creature by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

The micro-robotic HEXBUG is a tiny, obedient insect that features bump-sensor feelers that help it avoid objects in its path. It responds to clapping or other loud noise by backing up or changing direction. The HEXBUG is small enough to fit in the hand and comes in five different body types and colors including pink, blue, green, yellow and orange. Awards: TDmonthly Innovations 2008.
— According to more than 60 reviews on Amazon.com and Radioshack.com, this fun, durable toy has been rated 4 out of 5 stars due to its entertaining and educational features. It is portable for any occasion and appropriate for any age. Consumers should be careful though, as they have been known to be flimsy and easily breakable, like real bugs! (09.12.08)
— "Everyone wants one, from adults to kids," Charles Bonner, owner of Heights Toy Center in Little Rock, Ark., told TDmonthly of this best seller in April 2009. "I sell 200 to 250 a month." Three of 44 retailers tagged Hexbugs as an overall best seller in late fall 2009.

— During a September 2010 survey, two of 44 retailers listed Hexbugs as their top-seller for tweens.

( Watch Video) 2/12/2008 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Transformers Movie Leader: Optimus Prime by HASBRO INC.

Electronic robot-to-vehicle figure features lights and sounds, and partially automated Advanced Automorph Technology. This technology is designed to enhance vehicle-to-robot conversion with partially animated mechanical triggers that activate the final shift to battle mode. Includes 2 “AA” batteries. 11/12/2007 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tekno – The Robotic Pony by TOYQUEST

The pony measures 13” x 7” x 12-3/4” and consists of three motors, 19 points of articulation, four touch sensors, light and motion sensors, proximity sensors and an infrared sensor. Its front and rear legs, tail, head and ears all move. The pony comes with a wireless transmitter, magnetic ball and bone. Launch date: Fall 2007. 10/2/2007 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

RS Media by WOWWEE GROUP LTD.

With a full-color LCD screen, hand-mounted tweeters and a back-mounted woofer, a USB connector and MPE and MP4 playback, RS Media can display and store data easily from a PC. Users can utilize the personality editor to edit his movements, sound and video files, and even programming. Launch date: Fall 2007. 6/8/2007 (Price: $299.00)

Roboquad by WOWWEE GROUP LTD.

This four-legged intelligent life form is equipped with multi-directional movement capabilities and advanced sensory awareness, including an infrared beam vision system that permits him to spot movement up to 13” away and sound sensor technology that allows reaction to possible intruders. Roboquad features multicolored flashing lights and funky sound effects, and his remote control has an eight-way directional pad. He can function either by remote or autonomously. Launch date: Fall 2007. 6/8/2007 (Price: $99.00)

Huroi Two-Leg Robot by ROBOBLOCK SYSTEM CO., LTD

This humanoid robot offers educators, students and robotic hobbyists a complete robot package. The stable Huroi-II can walk, run, and do flips, cartwheels and dance moves. Once programmed, it is ready to compete in any Robo One Class “J” competition. It is available as a kit or a pre-assembled, ready-to-walk instant gratification robot. 5/23/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]