Robot toys have come a long way since the “Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots” of the 1960s. The newest entry is “Robosapien,” a 14-inch-high robot that’s being billed as a “robotic companion.”
The new toy designed by physicist Mark Tilden has 67 pre-programmed functions that include whistling, high-fives, dancing and throwing things. Robosapien is powered by a remote and can be programmed to perform a sequence of actions. The unit is priced from $79 and $99 and is powered by four “D” and three “AA” batteries that keep it going for up to six hours.
Another new entry in the growing robot genre is Wild Planet’s Spy Robot. The remote-controlled unit can retrieve items using a giant front claw and record what’s going on in other rooms with a built in tape player and report back to its owner. The Spy Robot retails for $29.95.