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ICYMI: Insect robot for kids, paralysis fixed and more
#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-184110{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-184110, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-184110{width:570px;display:block;} try{document.getElementById("fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-184110").style.display="none";}catch(e){}Today on In Case You Missed It: We are covering the drone guideline news from the FAA the only way we know how: With some silly videos and real ones as well, like the Google X drone delivery test video -- all to warn you all that UAV regulations are finally coming. A new Kickstarter for a toy insect robot comes with origami-like assembly, to teach kids about coding and engineering. And scientists at Ohio's Case Western Reserve University have electronically bridged a gap between a paralyzed person's spinal column and arms using brain wave sensors, in effect letting him use his arms once again.
Where to buy Sphero's BB-8 'Star Wars' toy in the UK
The Force Awakens is still a few months away, but already Star Wars fans have fallen in love with one of the film's supporting characters: BB-8. The rolling droid is a spiritual successor to R2-D2 and now, thanks to Sphero, you can buy your own miniaturised version. It connects to iOS and Android devices and, using the companion app, you can switch it between three different behavioural modes: Driving, Holographic Messaging and Patrol. But where can you buy this little curiosity on "Force Friday?" We've got you covered.
Sphero's BB-8 is the 'Star Wars' toy everyone will want
Back when Disney released the first trailer to Star Wars: The Force Awakens, one of the characters that caught most people's eye was BB-8. And for good reason: it's an adorable rolling droid. Now, Disney is bringing it to everyone through Sphero, the company known for its connected robotic toys. Meet BB-8 by Sphero, a toy version of the ball-shaped personality you'll see in the next Star Wars episode, which opens in theaters December 18th. Although this droid comes on a smaller scale than the prop introduced at the Star Wars Celebration a few months ago, it is as close to the real thing as you're going to get. Best of all, it is arguably one of the best (and cutest) Star Wars toys to date -- and that's saying a lot.
Robonica Roboni-i programmable robot toy review
Life became duller ever since FedEx took away our last annoying little robot, so we got our hands on a new but less chatty plastic companion -- say hi to Robonica's Roboni-i programmable robot. Since its last Engadget appearance we've seen a drastic price drop from the original $299.95 to $159.95 at Hammacher Schlemmer, but the robot is no less awesome -- those unique wheels alone deliver plenty of coolness already, not to mention the bunch of peculiar accessories in the box for games and even interaction with other fellow Roboni-is. Read on to find out if this bot's a keeper. %Gallery-83689%
WowWee rolls out Roborover, Joebot robot buddies
WowWee may have some new competition, but it should come as no surprise that it's not about to rest on its laurels this holiday season, and it's now rolled out a pair of new "robot buddies" that it hopes will wind up at the top of plenty of kids' (and some adults') wish lists. First announced way back at CES in January, both the WowWee Roborover and WowWee Joebot are now available to order for $79.99 or $99.99, respectively, or in one of WowWee's usual "mini" versions for a mere $15 apiece. While those latter options are basically action figures, the two full-fledged versions should keep you occupied for a little longer than your average toy robot, with each able to be controlled remotely or operate autonomously, play various games and, in the case of the Roborover, traverse "rough terrain" and "inclines."Read - WowWee RoboroverRead - WowWee Joebot[Via SlashGear]
Robonica Roboni-i rolling robot takes aim at WowWee, holiday shoppers
Upstart toymaker Robonica has been making promises about its Robini-i programmable robot for a little while now, but it looks like it's now not only managed to get the bot out the door, but land it on the cover of the new Hammacher Schlemmer holiday catalog as well. Headed up by a former Hasbro exec, the company is clearly taking aim at the likes of WowWee, but hopes to one-up them by also letting its robot with a "serious attitude" become an avatar in an MMO of sorts when it's not tormenting your pets. What's more, the Robini-i can also apparently interact with other bots both online and in person, and the more adventuresome folks out there can also take advantage of some basic programming capabilities provided by the included software (Windows only, for the time being). Slightly less entry-level, however, is the $299.95 that Hammacher Schlemmer is charging for the kit, although it appears that could drop to $250 as it rolls out to other retailers. Read - Hammacher Schlemmer Read - Xconomy, "Robonica President, an Ex-Hasbro Exec, Hopes to Put Boston Back on Toy Industry Map with Rolling Robots" [Via IEEE Spectrum, thanks Ken R.]
Ultimate Buzz Lightyear robot to the rescue, on video
Step aside, Wall-E: Buzz Lightyear, courtesy of Thinkway Toys, has arrived to claim his rightful place at the top of the robot-based-on-Disney-character heap. Maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but Buzz's facial animation, sexy moves and trademark catch-phrases have all been wrapped up into a nice little bow here to rake in the cash when Toy Story and Toy Story 2 hit theaters this October as a 3D glasses double feature. Buzz responds to a few voice commands, can play a laser tag with the included remote, has a "Puppeteering Programming" mode to pose him for your own animations, and can even suffer an identity crisis when you tell him that he's just a toy. He'll be available this fall for $130-ish, check out a video after the break.
Kota the Triceratops unboxing and hands-on
We were pretty stoked about PlaySkool's Kota the Triceratops robotoy, but after an hour or so studying the beast with the help of two diminutive guest reviewers, we're just not all that sold. Sure, Kota turns his head, wags his tail, opens his mouth and plays sounds effects in response to his 11 touch and weight sensors, but he just doesn't do much else. Plus, almost everyone is disappointed to find that the $300 dino doesn't walk -- it was the first question from adults and kids alike. Still, Kota's an adorable little scamp, and while he's not quite the kid-sized Pleo we were hoping for, he's certainly appealing -- here's hoping Kota 2.0 learns how to stomp around a little bit.%Gallery-34669%
Black Roboboa dances into reality
It looks like the folks at WowWee may have felt a little bad about forcing its Roboboa dancing robot to bust a move all by itself, with the company apparently taking steps to avert any potential robot loneliness by producing at least one dance partner for standard-issue Roboboa, this one clad all in black. As the video after the break shows, however, the bot is otherwise unchanged, boasting the same dance moves, blinkin' lights, and questionable taste in music we've come to expect. Unfortunately, there's no indication that this new, slightly more badass Roboboa will actually be making its way out the door anytime soon, so you may need to get creative if the standard two-tone black-and-white look doesn't do it for you.[Thanks, Robert O.]
