In the Loop: November 26, 2007 Archive

Move over Elmo, these robots can do more than laugh!

Posted at 12:35 PM on November 26, 2007 by Sanden Totten (1 Comments)

Robots and Christmas have a long and profitable history together. In fact, almost every December there's a new bot hitting the shelves. Either a Teddy Ruxpin, a Tickle-me Elmo or Furbies.

Who will be the next "gotta have it" robot? Well, folks, let me say there are several world class contenders.

There's the Flytech Dragon Fly. Flying toys can often be a bust . . . hard to control, erratic movements, loud engines. But this gizmo seems to be a cut above the rest. It's remote controlled and actually moves like a dragon fly. Plus it can dive bomb your little sister like nobody's business . . . not that you'd ever do that to your sis.

Robopanda is making waves. This bot is interactive. It tells stories and jokes. It reacts to touch rather than a remote and the thing is sickeningly cute.

But the real show down in my opinion, will come between two bots: the i-Sobot and Robosapien V2. Both are bi-pedal humanoid bots. Both can talk, walk and are remote controlled. Robosapien can dance. i-Sobot can fight a T-Rex.

i-Sobot can play drums.

Robosapien can bowl (sort of).

So far, pretty evenly matched right? Well, in this case it may come down to the price tag. i-Sobots are selling for a cool $300 while Robosapien is going for sweet $180.

I think we've found our winner. Now, if only there was a way for either one to impersonate Hannah Montana . . . then we'd have a real hit holiday toy.

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