TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Robotics Product Category

HEXBUG Nano Raceway Habitat Set by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

Ready, Set, Nano! Kids can race their HEXBUG Nano bugs by constructing their very own customizable Raceway Habitat Set. HEXBUG Nanos test their speed and take off out of the starting gates at a lightning pace in attempt to out-scurry their competition to the finish line, zooming through dangerous divides and tricky turns. ( Watch Video) 3/4/2011 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

HEXBUG Nano Elevation Habitat Set by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

HEXBUG Nano collectors can unleash their creativity as they build and construct the expansive Elevation Habitat Set. Elevation features a multi-level spiral and bridges that can accommodate an entire HEXBUG Nano collection, and enable each Nano bug to stretch its rubber legs as it traverses through the sizable mini-community. The customized track includes one spiral ramp that rises two levels up, offering explorative HEXBUG Nano bugs the best view in town. 3/4/2011 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Glow in the Dark HEXBUG Nano Starter Set by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

The Glow in the Dark HEXBUG Nano Starter Set is perfect for any first time HEXBUG Nano owner. Each Glow in the Dark HEXBUG Nano Starter Set is expandable. Kids can build onto their habitat sets using additional track pieces until they’ve constructed their own little micro robotic community. 3/4/2011 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hexbug Nano Glow in the Dark by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

The regular Hexbugs and the HEXBUG Nano Hive Habitat Set won the Specialty Toy of the Year Award at the 2012 American International Toy Fair. This glow in the dark version features the same motion sensors and scuttling capabilities that made the original version so popular. Glow in the dark habitats are also available. Batteries included.
— Jamie Merlavage of Tree House Toy Shop in Cumberland, Md., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that they sell about a dozen HEXBUG Nanos each month.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone  in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey about best-selling toys that she sells a dozen HEXBUGS each month.
— In a March 2012 survey, 2 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Hexbugs were their best selling product. Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., said that they sell dozens of different styles of Hexbugs each month, and that the line has been a best seller for more than a year now. 2/18/2011 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fijit Friends by MATTEL INC.

Made of soft, tactile skin that enables lifelike movements, girls can poke and squeeze a Fijit Friend for a verbal reaction.  With word recognition capability, Fijit Friends can understand and respond to more than 30 verbal commands, culling from more than 150 built-in phrases and jokes. Girls only have to turn up the music dial to transform their Fijit Friend into a dancing machine. With Beat Detection functionality, Fijit Friends can recognize different types of music and perform different dance moves for each beat. Fijit Friends includes four original songs of their own. Fijit Friends come in an assortment of four that each feature distinct colors, voices, ears and personalities and feature integrated Sonic Chirp technology - special audio coding embedded into an external device or media platform (mobile applications, webisodes, television commercials and more), that when detected by Fijit, triggers various programmed reactions. Launch date: Fall 2011. 2/18/2011 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

TankBot by DESK PETS

This TankBot is a mini-robot that fits on your desk. Each TankBot features a dongle that plugs into the headphone jack of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. Utilizing Apple’s accelerometer technology, Desk Pets developed a program that enables TankBot to be controlled by simply tilting your mobile device. Tilt the iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch forward and TankBot rolls forward, angle the phone right and TankBot instantly makes a right turn. Switch to autonomous mode and using built-in IR sensors, TankBot can navigate a maze, avoid obstacles and interact with the users hand motions, all on its own. "Just waving your hands in front of the robot almost becomes addictive as it moves and reacts to what you do. You wait for it to slip up and it doesn’t, it consistently acts with a military precision,” said Michael Trzecieski, managing director of Desk Pets International. The TankBot comes in four different colors, which can race against one another, and charges via USB.
– An ASTRA Top 30 Toy at Toy Fair 2010. 1/19/2011 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hexbug Nano Starter Set by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

This starter set includes one rare mutation Hexbug Nano Creature, two connectable curved pieces, and one easy connect hexagon piece. 9/16/2010 (Price: $17.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

ReCon 6.0 Programmable Rover by SMARTLAB TOYS

The Programmable Rover is a toy, a robot and a tool for learning the basic fundamentals on programming. Kids can program this Rover to navigate specified courses to deliver a treat to a pet, surprise a family member with a personalized message, carry a soda, guard a bedroom or just dance. With a spiral bound Owner's Manual, kids will begin work through guided projects building their knowledge for the more advanced operating techniques. This cleverly crafted guide helps get the Rover rolling and will inspire the next level of learning — charting one's own adventures. 8/26/2010 (Price: $69.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bioloid by ROBOTIS

Biloid is an educational robot kit with which one can build various robots including the autonomous exploration robot, quadruped puppy robot, hexapod spider robot, dinosaur robot, and bipedal humanoid robot. Launch date: 2010. 4/21/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

OLLO by ROBOTIS

OLLO is a reconfigurable kit targeted at younger children to get interested in science & technology and show their creativity. Simple Rivet Connection helps add life to the robots so they're easy to construct and play with. OLLO is an educational introductory robotics toy for children and is also ideal for robot camps, science festivals and after school curriculum. Launch date: 2010. 4/21/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

OLLO Action Kit by ROBOTIS

This robot construction kit includes pieces for children to make animals and figures that move via a one-geared motor. ( Watch Video) 3/30/2010 (Price: $29.90) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Vertibot R.E.X (Robot EXplorer) by BSW TOY INC.

This window-climbing robot scoffs at the forces of gravity, using suction cups built into its feet to climb up, down, around and even upside down smooth surfaces like windows, mirrors and metal file cabinets. It requires 2 AAA batteries. Instructions for product can be found sandwiched between the cardboard insert that includes important battery replacement directions. 3/15/2010 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

TrekBot by DESK PETS

TreBot is micro robot controlled by a a 5-button IR remote that also charges it. TrekBot is available in four colors — Crystal Clear, Clear Safari Yellow, Clear Khaki Green and Clear African Sun — each color with its own frequency so they can be raced. "The size, method of movement and the USB charging" set this product apart, David Piltz, Managing Director, Desk Pets, told TDmonthly. Schylling is the distributor to specialty stores in the United States. Launch date: June 2010. Watch Video 2/23/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

GoBot by DESK PETS

GoBot is a micro bot with a compact remote control powered by an internal battery that jumps to attention upon command. It is available in four colors: Clear, Clear Smoked Black, Clear Blue and Clear Black. "It's powered by a unique remote control with that can charge GoBot through USB," David Piltz, Managing Director, Desk Pets, told TDmonthly. Schylling distributes Desk Pets to specialty stores in the United States. Launch date: June 2010.  — John MacDougall, owner of Golden Apple Learning Store in Pleasanton, Calif., thought the no-batteries Desk Pets "cool" at Toy Fair 2010. Watch Video 2/23/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SkitterBot by DESK PETS

The fast-moving SkitterBot is charged by a USB remote contoller. Individuals can battle or race the bots as each color has its own frequency. SkitterBot is available in four colors: Clear Diamond, Clear Emerald Green, Clear Ruby Red and Clear Sapphire Blue. "Our items can be charged by our unique USB remote control and SkitterBot travels at a speed of 12" per second," David Piltz, Managing Director, Desk Pets, told TDmonthly. Schylling is the distributor to specialty stores in the United States. Launch date: June 2010. Watch Video 2/23/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 by LEGO

The intelligent 612-piece NXT Lego brick features 32-bit microprocessor, a large matrix display, 4 input and 3 output ports, and Bluetooth and USB communication link; batteries not included. This set includes interactive servo motors and four sensors (Ultrasonic Sensor, 2 Touch Sensors and the all-new Color Sensor). The Color Sensor has triple functionality; it distinguishes colors and light settings, and functions as a lamp. This product comes with easy-to-use software (PC and Mac) with icon-based drag-and-drop programming and 16 fun building and programming challenges, along with building instructions for 4 new amazing robots. Awards: 2010 TOTY Award
— As of 7.27.2010, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 46 reviews on Amazon.com, and was listed No. 44 in the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Teaches simple programming with well-designed, easy-to-use software. Encourages creative play. CONS: Not innovative enough; doesn't allow for open-ended play; one customer received two defective sets before receiving one that worked.
— In late Spring 2011, 25% of retailers surveyed said LEGO was their best-selling brand of construction toys. 2/15/2010 (Price: $279.99)

Green Science - Soda Can Robug by TOYSMITH

The Green Science - Soda Can Robug is an imaginative way for children to explore mechanics and electricity. The kit includes a plastic mechanic body, wire wings, wire legs, motor with wires, screws and detailed instructions.
— In a Fall 2013 survey, Gary Green, owner of Toy Box of Asheville Inc in Asheville, N.C., told TDmonthly that the Soda Can Robug from Toysmith was one of their best-selling science toys. ( Watch Video) 10/20/2009 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

WowWee FlyTech Hoverpod by WOWWEE GROUP LTD.

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. 10/5/2009 (Price: $19.00)

WowWee Roborover by WOWWEE GROUP LTD.

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. 10/5/2009 (Price: $69.00)

WowWee Alive Baby Animals by WOWWEE GROUP LTD.

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. 10/5/2009 (Price: $59.00)

Robotic Arm Trainer and WAO Kranius Interface (USB) by OWI INC.

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. 8/27/2009 (Price: $99.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

USB Interface for Robotic Arm Edge by OWI INC.

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. 8/27/2009 (Price: $39.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

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 Video) 8/24/2009 (Price: $99.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

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 Video) 8/24/2009 (Price: $79.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bunk Bots: Ninja SERVO by HUGE FACTORY LLC

These plush robots are available in 10 varieties. Each Bunk Bot has its own story and REAL ROBOT JOB printed on its hang tag. "In addition to industry-standard polyester fiber, each Bunk Bot is stuffed with a microscopic amount of AWESOME. This ingredient gives it an edge over most plush toys," Jason Hilbourne, general manager of Huge Factory, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 15, 2008. ( Watch Video) 3/31/2009 (Price: $14.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]