Robot Toys
From LoveToKnow Kids
One of the hottest toy trends this year is robot toys. Whether they walk, talk, or perform more complex functions, there are a variety of robotic toys for all age ranges.
Early Science Fiction
Robots have intrigued kids for generations, and the complexity of robot toys have evolved over the years to provide a variety of options at different prices. Science fiction stories and movies brought robots into the mainstream, and toy makers capitalized on kids’ fascination with robots.
Early tin toy robots of the 1940s and 1950s paved the way for future generations of robotic products. The tin toy robots of that era are now considered vintage collector’s items, selling for $10,000 to $50,000.
Modern Day Marvels
Robotic toys advanced over the years as technology continued to develop. Now, robot toys have a range of capabilities, from simple functions to more complicated operations. Over the years, prices for robot toys have become more reasonable due to the drop in cost of microchips and other technology components.
The availability of robotic toys has become more widespread in recent years. In days past, these types of toys could only be purchased at high-end toy stores, but now retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target sell these big ticket items.
Robot Toys
- Simba Toys Infrared Remote Control Robot – talks, walks, and shoots discs on command. $36
- Robosapien – walks, runs and turns, uses functional arms, and has 67 pre-programmed functions. $60
- WowWee Robosapien Version 2 Humanoid Robot – can perform human movements, including sit, stand, lie down, and wave; also recognizes colors, interacts with people and objects, and more! $190
- Gearbotics Sonic Robot – 118 color coded gears and pieces, plus motorized unit for a custom-built robot; moves forward and backward and comes with a controller. $52
Build Your Own Robot
One of the more advanced robot toys is the Mindstorm NXT from Lego, which allows kids to build and program the wireless robot through drag-and-drop computer software. For $249, kids 10 and up can program their own creation. Bluetooth technology even allows the Mindstorm NXT to be controlled with a cellular phone.
Other Takes on the Traditional Robot
Robot toys don’t necessarily have to look like their tin counterparts of yesterday. The Roboraptor Dinosaur Robot, for instance, allows children to manipulate a robotic dinosaur by realistically moving head and tail sections. This fun toy has sensors and an “artificial-intelligence personality” so that it can be aggressive, cautious or friendly. This robot was created by a robotics physicist, and is controlled via a wireless remote control, with over 40 preprogrammed functions. The Roboraptor Dinosaur retails for $120. Other non-traditional robots include:
- Discovery Remote Control T-Rex – roars and walks, as well as swings head and tail and snaps jaw. Dinosaur bone remote controls all actions. $30
- Discovery Mini Roboreptile – this smaller sized Roboreptile bends neck, tail and arms as it walks; at just $18, this is a very affordable robotic toy.
- WowWee Chimpanzee Alive Life Like Chimp Head – one of the more interesting entries in the robot toy market, the Chimpanzee Alive is a realistic replica of a real chimp, with animated features, moods, and sounds all controlled with a remote. $88
- Robo Pet - this fun pet never sheds and can run, walk, crawl, lie down, roll over and more! The Robo Pet also pants, barks, whimpers and growls. $60
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