October 2009 Notable Toys — Robotics

Featuring a two-channel remote control and a tail rudder for directional movement, the FlyTech Hoverpod racer can jet across most smooth surfaces and be controlled to maneuver around obstacles. Made from durable, lightweight materials, the racer is designed to be crash resistant. A simple 10-minute charge will last for up to five minutes of play. It requires 4 AA batteries (not included). Launch date: June 2009.

The WowWee Roborover™ robot is a talking, tread-based, roving explorer with an inquisitive personality that grows to become more confident as users navigate and play with him. The Roborover robot is operated via remote control and features poseable arms, head and waist. This shy little explorer features spoken content, various driving-based games, infrared sensors for obstacle avoidance, and tilt sensors allowing him to perceive when he has fallen over. It takes four C batteries, and the remote takes three AA batteries (not included). Launch date: August 2009.

The WowWee Alive™ Baby Animals are lifelike, huggable baby animals that feature plush bodies and animated facial and vocal expressions triggered by users’ touch. Children and animal lovers alike can nurture a lovable WowWee Alive™ Husky Puppy, Koala Joey, Leopard Cub or Seal Pup in their very own living rooms. Four AA batteries are included. The cubs were featured in Time Magazine's "The Best Inventions of 2008 - Tech Buyer's Guide." Launch date: July 2009.

This product features programming, saving, editing and downloading capabilities via desktop or laptop USB port. It is compatible for both the Robotic Arm Trainer (OWI-007) and the WAO Kranius (OWI-9762). Launch date: April 2008.

With the USB Interface Kit, robot lovers can connect the Robotic Arm Edge to a PC and have real-time manual control of the robotic arm and program the arm to perform a sequence of movements — just like an actual robot on an assembly line. The kit comes complete with a CD, a printed circuit board, a USB cable and accessories, and a detailed instruction manual. Launch date: April 2009.

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!

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.