Today we present robots for all ages. Here are toy robots for children from three years old, schoolchildren and teenagers who are keen on computer programming.
1. Sphero Star Wars BB-9E
This kind of toy is more suitable for adults than children, though kids will love it. The baby looks exactly like the astromech droid from Episode 8 of the saga.
Reasons to buy:
- Control via app or from a wristband;
- Augmented reality;
- Convenient charging via docking station;
- Rugged, water-resistant housing.
- The original design replicates the look and feel of the astro-droid from the Star Wars universe. The body of the robot is made of polycarbonate, which makes it incredibly durable and waterproof. It comes in black and grey or white and red.
At the base is a rotating sphere with a sophisticated gyroscopic system. When you give the command the centre of gravity shifts and the droid begins to roll smoothly in the direction indicated. The cone-shaped head remains in the same position.
The droid is controlled via an app on your smartphone, but a Force Band is also included for the same purpose. The focal point of the entire line is the ability for the robots to recognise each other and interact with each other when a command is given.
The head of the toy has a built-in LED indicator, which allows the droid to express different emotions (for example, wink). There is another feature that is found almost nowhere else: the ability to send video recordings in augmented reality. All you have to do is point your phone’s camera at the robot to see a video hologram. It also recognises films and emits sounds from the original tape.
Sphero also has a patrol mode, which is a fun way to keep an eye on the robot. There’s no free mode, though, due to the lack of customizable behavior parameters.
2. Sphero Star Wars R2-Q5
Another fairly recognisable model from the same series. R2-Q5 is an imperial droid and also a spy.
Reasons to buy:
- A recognisable character;
- Powered by built-in rechargeable battery;
- Durable;
- Supports augmented reality.
- The robot is capable of using its built-in speakers to play various sounds and LED backlighting for greater effect. The body is also made of polycarbonate in a black colour and the toy is controlled by your phone via Bluetooth. There’s also room for a patrol mode where you can set the robot a specific route.
It looks a lot like the R2-D2 in appearance and is not much different from the BB-9E in terms of functionality. It takes longer to charge (as much as 2 hours versus 1 for the “nine”) and runs on a lithium-ion battery. A list of voice commands can be viewed in the settings.
Overall, there isn’t much difference between the two models of the same range, apart from looks. Both have the same functionality and are able to ‘communicate’ with each other. Nevertheless, if you are a fan of this particular robot and don’t mind spending almost twice as much on a toy, go for R2-D2.
3. WowWee Roboquad
A very interesting, albeit inexpensive, model that moves and scans independently, responding to sounds and lights.
Reasons for purchase:
- Remote control;
- Reaction to movement;
- Programmable behaviour.
- The robot’s appearance is reminiscent of extraterrestrial technology. It moves on four crab-like legs. The long neck has a head with two “eyes”: it rotates 180 degrees and moves vertically. The alien’s colouring is exceptionally white.
Using a built-in IR sensor, the robot recognises movement at a distance of up to 3 metres and acts according to a preset behaviour mode. Sensors integrated into the head enable it to respond even to light in the room and various audio signals. You can record personalised messages through the included microphone.
In autonomous mode, the toy will move around the rooms and scan surrounding objects. The behaviour depends on three parameters that can be adjusted. They are combinable and customizable, so you can change the character of the “crab” at any time.
Let’s take a closer look at the modes:
- “Understanding” is curiosity. If its level is high, the robot explores its surroundings with great interest, moves around the house a lot and gets quite close to objects.
- “Aggressiveness” is Roboquad’s response to external stimuli. When it is at a low level, the robot becomes very shy and fearful.
- “Activity” is how fast the robot moves around the rooms of your home.
The toy can work autonomously, plus it comes with remote control for manual command and control. It is powered by four C batteries, the remote control needs 3 AAA batteries.
