Sunday, September 11, 2011

Best Robot Toys for Christmas 2011

We recently took a look at some of the best robot toys for 2011. We had a list of the best toy robots for 2010, and plan to continue to keep up to date on robots and robotics – especially when it comes to toys. To show that, here is a closer look at some of the top robots for 2011.

Maybe you’re trying to get your daughter, niece, or granddaughter interested in science or technology, and you’re having problems finding toys for girls that are fun and not to boy-ish. The WowWee Femisapien makes a great toy for girls who are interested in robots.




The WowWee Femisapien has many different functions like a normal robot toy. There are over 60 functions that the robot can do, from introduce herself, dance, and even act as a personal backup singer for your child. Most kids have said that after having it for awhile it was like having their own robot friend who talks and communicates for them.

If you’re trying to steer away from buying robots that are designed just for young boys, than the femisapien is a great choice. The market is flooded with toy robots designed to be rough and tumble for young boys, but the femisapien is more direct towards the things girls like to do. By just playing music near the femisapien, she will swing her hips around and sing a backup tune to the music that is playing.

The WowWee Femisapien can walk around, but make sure you place her on either very short carpet or on a harder surface. And you aren’t just limited to the preprogrammed functions of the Femisapien. With a little bit of work, the robot can be programmed to do a variety of new and different functions with the joystick hands, that although are a little difficult to figure out, can mean being able to do a variety of different functions.
f you have a smaller child that loves Star Wars (new or old), they’re going to really like this voice command




Here are some of the features of the Star Wars Interactive R2D2 Astromech Droid Robot:
Newly programmed at our ultra-modern factory, this state-of-the-art R2 series astromech droid unit is ready to obey your commandsThese are just a few of R2's amazing attributes include moving along on his own, turning his front beam on and off, and even playing a secret message when you follow the proper voice commandsGrab his attention by saying “Hey, R2? and he’s ready for more than 40 voice commands

In “Game” mode, R2 plays multiple games and spins, dances and plays music, and he even guards your room with his sentry alarmAsk him if he remembers his famous friends, like Luke Skywalker, C-3PO or Jabba the Hutt, and each name will stir up a different response depending on R2's “feelings” for that character
Also note that there are various “easter eggs” hidden in this Droid. Issue the right commands (not found in the manual) and you’ll see R2D2 act in a new way – following you around or even playing a song (like the Imperial March) from the movies.

With art and some narration by Ashley Wood, Complete World War Robot is a great way to sneak a peek at what may become a major motion picture – maybe one of the best robot movies to date? (That’s an idea for another post here maybe – a list of all the robot movies ever made.) Anyway, this looks to be full of great art. For a hardcover edition at this price, it’s worth the money if you love robots. You may want to get a copy of the Complete World War Robot before if becomes even more popular.



Here’s the publisher’s description of the Complete World War Robot book:
It’s total robot war! In development to be a major motion picture, Ashley Wood’s World War Robot tells the tale of a dwindling band of humans and robots who face off in a battle that will likely end humanity as we know it – on Earth, on the Moon, and on Mars, too!
Badass battles, really intense human/robot drama, and even a little black humor and political intrigue are the order of the day in this oversize epic that collects both previous books in one deluxe hardcover volume.



Prepare to be wowed by Joebot, an amazing achievement in advanced robot technology. This walking, talking interactive buddy is full of comedic banter and packed with tons of features for endless hours of fun! Equipped with infrared vision and the ability to detect both sounds and obstacles, Joebot responds to voice commands and can be set in a number of modes.

Joebot features: Program and record Joebot to perform a sequence of motions and actions of up to 40 different steps. LED indicator lights in face, chest, and arms indicate his mood and thoughts. Set to multiple, interactive modes for hours of fun.




Take LEGO to the next level with MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0. Combining the versatility of the LEGO building system with a microcomputer brick and intuitive programming software, this building kit enables you to construct robots that see, speak, feel, and move.

Designed for ages 10 and up, the 2.0 robotics tool set features everything you need to create and program your first robot in approximately one hour. After that, you can create an endless lineup of robots that do what you want–if you can dream it, you can build it.




The Alive Chimpanzee combines Hollywood special effects with advanced robotics technology in the most realistic simian this side of the jungle. He’s a life size, highly detailed realistic bust. Animatronics enable him to duplicate the signature sounds and movements of a real chimp. His skin and hair, which were developed specifically for the Chimp, are amazingly life-like. His head, eyes, mouth, upper lip, eye lids and eye brows move just like his counterparts in the wild.

And, his vocalizations are startlingly real. He’s multi-sensory, highly communicative and interactive. An infrared vision system allows him to detect movement and track objects, and touch sensors in his chin, head and ears react to contact. Alive Chimpanzee responds to sharp sounds with his stereoscopic sound sensors. The nature of the Chimp’s response to these stimuli will depend upon the mood that he’s in – curious, fearful, happy or angry.

Watch out if he’s angry – he becomes a very frightening and very loud chimpanzee. He comes programmed with five modes: Direct control, programming, guard, demo and “Alive” mode. In the “Alive” mode, the Chimpanzee will interact autonomously with his environment, carefully watching, listening and responding to what is going on around him. The Alive Chimpanzee comes complete with an ergonomically designed controller. Requires one “9V” battery and 4 “D” batteries (not included). AC adapter not included. Measures 13? tall.




With unbelievably smooth robotics, the i-SOBOT walks more like a human than a robot. This fully-functional and fully-assembled robot features 17 custom designed actuators and gyro-sensor, allowing it to keep balance and freely move joints for impressive performance, vivid movement, and incredible flexibility.
Robot packed with over 200 words and phrases, and 200 pre-programmed movementsOperates with remote control, programmable memory, and voice activation17 custom designed actuators and gyro-sensor for balance and freely moving jointsIncludes remote control, hexagon wrench, action chart, operation manual and 3 AAA batteriesRecommended for ages 10 and up

Other main components include a built-in speaker unit and built-in microphone with a voice recognition chip. With built-in clutches and metal gears, the i-SOBOT offers up to 220-degree movement. The two infrared transmission bands allow the robot to be operated with an LCD remote control.




The Hasbro FurReal Friends Squawkers McCaw Parrot might be the sassiest toy ever made. Squawkers McCaw is a full-size toy macaw parrot who, just like a real parrot, repeats words, can be “taught” to speak, and responds to touch. Modeled after an actual macaw parrot, Squawkers McCaw has a velvety feather coat that makes him fit for cuddling. His vibrant blue, orange, yellow, and green markings are just like those of an actual macaw parrot.

His feet are also fully articulated: He can stand on his perch or be propped up on a flat surface. And Squawkers doesn’t just look just like a parrot — he moves like one, too. Through highly innovative animatronics, Squawkers can move in incredibly convincing ways. He’ll cock his head when confused or ruffle his wings when happy. He will even get down and dance to your favorite tunes, all while singing along. Squawkers loves mealtime, and comes with a cracker for when he needs to be fed.





Blast into outer space with Lego Mars Exploration Rover.  Be part of the 2003 Mars mission by building your very own Mars Exploration Rover. This detailed replica is modeled after the “robot geologists” that is set to explore the surface of the red planet. The Mars Rovers will make history in 2004, but you can create your own adventures today. Set contains 858 LEGO pieces.

Based on the 2003 Mars mission Detailed replica is modeled after the robot geologistsBuild your very own Mars Exploration RoverEasy to assemble and durableContains 858 piecesRecommended age: 10 – 12 years


Disney Pixar WallE Movie Exclusive ULTIMATE 22 Inch Plush Figure Walle


Your little WALL-E fan will be on track for plenty of fun with this deluxe giant size plush. The little Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth Class robot totally cleans up when it comes to providing out of the world hugs.
Polyester22” Recommended age: 3 years and up

This very large plush (soft) toy is great for smaller boys and girls who fell in love with the Wall-E movie. While the movie has been around, many continue to watch it over and over again. This great plush toy robot allows your small children to carry their friend around with them, introducing them to the idea of robots at a young age.








Baby Bot Mobile by North American Bear Co


Want Your Baby Exposed to Robots at a super early age? The Baby Bot Mobile by North American Bear Co. is the way to go. Soft tricot robots and droids tinker around the nursery as Children’s Marching Song plays.

Gift boxed mobile comes complete with easy-to-assemble crib arm attachment and wind-up music box. Age: 0-5 months Size: 13? Care: Surface Wash . Overall, we think this is a great way to introduce your children to robots at a young age. By the time they grow up, who knows – robots may be in use for a lot more than just toys.

 When it comes to robot toys 2011 has a lot to offer. By researching and knowing what you want to get, you can shop around and save money. Sometimes just knowing what is out there is helpful when shopping for robot toys online.




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