TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Robotics Product Category

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][?]

MANOI the Athlete Humanoid Robot by KYOSHO

It bends, it kicks, it dances, it stands on one foot. The Manoi is the most sophisticated robot under 25 pounds. And it’s cool-looking, too — a 1/5 scale athlete humanoid that looks like a character from a 1960s cartoon. The company behind this specializes in RC cars, and the robot is an extension of that business. The idea is that people will buy a Manoi and enter it into tournaments run by the company 3 or 4 times a year — like people race RC cars in tournaments. 7/21/2006 (Price: $1280) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Transformer Robot by ESCO TOYS

HUGE, HIGH QUALITY, 7" TRANSFORMER ROBOT, COVERED WITH GADGETS. PACKAGED ON 9"X12" BLISTER CARD. 6/12/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Voice-Activated R2-D2 by HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER

This useful metal pal is a replica of celebrity robot R2-D2. He obeys more than 40 voice commands such as "Turn around!" and "Move forward two units!" and plays games like tag, using an infrared sensor to search for people in a room. He can use this sensor to sound an alarm when a secured area is invaded by unwanted guests such as little brothers or small rodents. He makes happy and sad sounds and even gets in bad moods. (A simple command of, "R2, behave yourself!" snaps him out of it.) He weighs 6 pounds and is 15" by 7 1/2" by 10 1/2". 5/2/2006 (Price: $119.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

I-Que by TOYQUEST

i-Que, a rechargeable, battery-operated personal robot, is the first of its kind to utilize text-to-speech technology and voice recognition. Equipped with a new 16-bit microprocessor, i-Que stores an incredible amount of information in a small amount of space. Its knowledge base is impressive and will continue to expand with increased interaction. Partners such as Merriam-Webster and Encyclopaedia Britannica have supplied tons of fun, educational content. More than 80,000 words from Merriam-Webster’s Intermediate Dictionary, the Word of the Day, This Day in History, Biography of the Day, and Animal of the Day are all stored in i-Que’s permanent memory. Additionally, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. has supplied data slices from the Britannica Elementary Encyclopedia on Space, US History, and World Geography contained in accessory cartridges, each sold separately for $24.99. I-Que will be available starting Summer 2006. 4/12/2006 (Price: $129.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mindstorms NXT by LEGO

For kids who have tired of swatting at gnats and mites, this new robotics construction set will give them something bigger to aim at. Kids can build a variety of critters, including a robotic bug. The bug will back off if it gets too close to an object or, if it feels threatened, it will reach out and “sting” the intruder.
This robotics toolset includes a “Quick Start” guide to build and program a robot in 30 minutes. Mindstorms uses “intelligent brick” and light, sound, motion and touch sensors. This product is blue-tooth wireless technology capable. LEGO Mindstorms NXT won first prize in the category “Technical Innovation” at the international Nürnberg toy fair in Münich. Launch date: 2006.
— "LEGO, if I can get them, but that's a whole other story," said David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., when discussing upcoming holiday 2007 hot sellers for young boys.
— "We're the best ones to sell it for LEGO,” Campbell added. “I can steer people toward Mindstorms in my store, and I can steer them away from Mindstorms [if they] shouldn't have it. Walmart.com doesn't talk to people."
— Seven of 54 retailers said that despite the availability of LEGO in the mass market, it will still sell in specialty stores during the holidays. ( Watch Video) 2/28/2006 (Price: $249.99)

Pup-Botz by XOBOTZ TOYS

Our cute Pup-botz are as playful as they look. Nineteen parts and 16 marbles are compatible with other Marbotz. Out this summer. 1/26/2006

Girl-Botz by XOBOTZ TOYS

Marbot Man now has a new Girl-bot to keep him company. Out this summer. 1/26/2006

Dino-Botz by XOBOTZ TOYS

The exciting new Dino-Botz comes with 19 interchangeable parts and 16 marbles. Parts compatible with all other Marbotz sets. Out this summer. 1/26/2006

AIBO Entertainment Robot, ERS-7M3 by SONY ELECTRONICS

Sony's latest AIBO(r) Entertainment Robot, model ERS-7M3-- bundled with the new AIBO MIND 3 software helps the four-legged companion perform an array of new tricks. The software enhancement package enables AIBO to say more than 1,000 English words to communicate with its owner, in addition to recognizing many Spanish words and phrases for the first time. It now also has the ability for short term memory mapping and news reads through a version of web syndication called RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds. 1/5/2006 (Price: $2000.00)

Marbotz by XOBOTZ TOYS

The Marbotz kit comes with everything you need to make your own robot out of marbles. The plastic pieces are joined together with the marbles so kids can use their imagination to construct their own models. Marbotz are easy to put together and have won the 2005 Creative Toy Award from Creative Child Magazine. ( Watch Video) 1/4/2006 (Price: $19.95)

Knight Invader III by OWI INC.

Knight Invader III is a super racecar that includes mini-construction projects, teaches the basic principles of electricity, gear mechanisms, and demonstrates three different modes of propulsion. This sleek super racer has it all and a little bit more. Knight Invader III can blow a fierce force of air to propel it off the starting line and challenges any contender to try to stay up when it is changed into direct motor drive. When on a mission, it can secretly change its transportation mode to solar power (sold separately). Plus, for the educationally minded guardians, this fireplug kit includes mini construction projects that teach the basic principles of electricity including experiments involving series and parallel circuits and solar energy (sold separately). No tools required for assembly. 12/14/2005 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kabuto Mushi Robot (Rhinoceros Beetle) by OWI INC.

Kabuto Mushi (Rhinoceros Beetle) Robot is an infrared remote controlled robot with caterpillar traction. The infrared remote control handset has 8 channels, each channel controls 4 motors: 2 motors control directional movement: forward, backward, left and right; one motor regulates the elevating position of the claw; lastly, the 4th motor operates the open and close dimension of the claw. Incumbent of its Japanese name "Kabuto Mushi", the Rhinoceros Beetle is tough, durable, powerful, and has the no fear attitude. This easy-to-build kit will provide students, teachers, and hobbyist (with little to no experience), a fun and informative building session. 12/14/2005 (Price: $57.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]