Robots rule the day at Canadian toy fair

Who says toys are just for kids? Several items unveiled at the recent Canadian Toy Association annual toy fair show just how far toys have come since the introduction of one-time high-tech wonders such as the Speak & Spell and 2-XL in 1978. Among a new generation of toys are an interactive robot with a beat-box function, remote-controlled airboats that travel on the floor, a roving Wi-Fi–connected robot that lets you see and hear things in your home remotely, and speeding toothbrush heads.

The latest toys from the fair

WowWee Rovio:
WowWee Group, Ltd, rolled out Rovio, a Wi-Fi–enabled Webcam on wheels that can be used anywhere you have an Internet connection. It looks like a stylized Mars rover and features an indoor GPS system (to navigate), a two-way radio, a three-wheel mobile base, adjustable neck (for the camera mount), and a docking station where Rovio recharges itself. You can use it as a Webcam when talking to your Skype buddies, or you can operate Rovio remotely from your office computer (even your BlackBerry) to see if you locked the front door before leaving home.
Price tag: $300

WowWee Joebot:
Take WowWee's chatty Tribot, make his personality less annoying, then increase his vocabulary to 200 words, add voice commands, extra modes, legs (instead of wheels), more complex games, and an itch to dance, and you've got Joebot. Joebot responds to 17 voice commands, has infrared sensors that enable him to avoid obstacles, and has a beat-box function for the rhythmically inclined. When placed in "battle" mode, Joebot walks around zapping things with the LEDs in his hands. You can defend humanity using your TV remote control. Available in August.
Price tag: $100

Uncle Milton Industries Jedi Force Trainer:
By wearing a headset that detects electroencephalography (EEG) signals, users can control a floating ball using the Force—force of mind, that is. By concentrating as hard as you can, you can get the ball to rise higher; concentrate less and the ball sinks. The wireless EEG headgear sends signals to a device that controls the speed of a fan, which in turn lifts or lowers the ball to various levels. This item rivals Mattel, Inc.'s new $80-$100 Mindflex, which uses similar technology to keep a ball aloft. Available in August.
Price tag: $130

Hovercraft:
WowWee's Hoverpod is a five inch- (12.7-centimeter-) long, remote-controlled foam boat that glides over smooth surfaces on a cushion of air, similar to Spin Master's $30 Micro Hovercraft the latter of which has a bumper that inflates while the craft is moving. Neat ideas, but both are tricky to control and neither can go in reverse. Both boats are smaller than their remote controls, making one wonder why the remotes need to be so big.
Price tag: $20

Scholastic Inc.'s Bristlebots:
Snap the handle off of a toothbrush, attach a motor to the head—and voilà—you get a Bristlebot. The motor causes the bristles to vibrate, which propels the bot to scurry on smooth surfaces reminiscent of a frenzied cockroach. An accompanying 40-page activity and instruction book in the Klutz product line offers users many fun and silly ideas for harnessing these bots. Ideas include creating mazes for them, dressing them, racing them, or even removing the motor and attaching it to other things. This book comes with two bots. Available March 2009.
Price tag: $20

Innovation First, Inc.'s Hexbug Inchworm:
Inchworm is the latest in the remote-controlled Hexbug mini robot series. This leggy bug doesn't do fancy tricks, but promises to be popular because of its portability and diminutive size. Inchworm can travel back and forth—or in a circle. The remote controller is small enough to fit snugly in the palm of your hand. There are two channels so you can have multiple Hexbugs do battle. Or what the heck, set them all to A-channel and you're in command of a synchronized robot army.
Price tag: $10

Spin Master's Air Hogs Wind Chaser:
This is a basic delta-shaped stunt kite with a string, reel, and—oh, yeah—a remote-controlled steering servo. The servo is attached to a cross-string on the kite's underside. The remote control, which is built into the reel, causes the weighted servo to slide to the right or left, prompting the kite to dip accordingly. The idea is to be able to control the kite more precisely. All you need to use this is a steady, stiff breeze and a lot of open air space. Spin Master will be demonstrating this at the American International Toy Fair February 15–18 in New York City.
Price tag: $30
 

More than 100 booths packed with brightly colored wares were buzzing with activity at the Metro Toronto Convention Center this Jan. 24-26, where toy manufacturers, distributors and toy store reps showcased what's new for 2009 (the fair was not open to the general public). This included a sneak peek at a few handmade prototypes, such as WowWee's Joebot and Scholastic's Bristlebots. Scientific American.com got a preview of hot items that will surely keep kids (and adults) occupied in the months to come. All toys are currently available unless otherwise indicated.