RoboSapien
| Industry | Toy manufacturing, Robotics |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Mark Tilden (creator of RoboSapien) |
| Products | RoboSapien and variants |
RoboSapien is a biomorphic robotic toy created by Mark Tilden and manufactured by WowWee. Introduced in 2004, it arrives preloaded with multiple movements and can be operated using the supplied infrared remote control or a PDA. Between April and December 2004, it sold more than 1.5 million units and was honored as "Toy of the Year" by the Toy Retailers Association.
Overview
RoboSapien moves without relying on wheels, is capable of grabbing and tossing objects, and includes a built-in loudspeaker for producing sounds. Its functionality depends on seven motors and a dual-triangle mechanical system that stabilizes the robot by adjusting the tilt of its upper and lower body segments. The remote control features 21 buttons, allowing users to access up to 67 commands through the use of two shift keys.
Other uses
In 2005, RoboSapien units took part in the inaugural humanoid robot soccer competition at Germany Openen, where teams from University of Osnabrück and Albert Ludwig's University of Freiburg faced off. By substituting its head with a PDA equipped with a camera, RoboSapien gained environmental awareness and could respond via infrared signals.
Moreover, RoboSapien has been employed in research settings to simulate humanoid robot behavior within hazardous industrial environments.
Colors
In addition to the classic white and black color scheme, RoboSapien has been released in several other colors including chrome red, blue, silver with blue eyes, gold, green, pink, and transparent. Most of these color editions were packaged along with corresponding Mini RoboSapiens.
Mini RoboSapien
The compact Mini RoboSapien version lacks remote control and autonomous capabilities, powered by two AAA batteries enabling basic forward movement. It is available in various colors and commonly sold as a companion to the full-sized model.
RoboSapien Jr.
Produced by Hasbro's Playskool division in 2005, RoboSapien Jr. is a smaller bump-and-go variant featuring three modes of play, sound effects, and music-driven dancing similar to the original RoboSapien.
SpiderSapien and HomerSapien
In 2007, WowWee acquired licenses from Sony Pictures and 20th Century Fox to produce SpiderSapien and HomerSapien as promotional items for Spider-Man 3 and The Simpsons Movie. SpiderSapien comes equipped with Spider-Man-themed armor and sound effects, also available as a Mini SpiderSapien in both standard and black suits. HomerSapien includes voice clips of Homer Simpson along with a sculpted head design; a Mini version was also manufactured.
RoboSapien X
Unveiled in 2013 and launched in 2014, RoboSapien X is an enhanced iteration of the original model that can be controlled via iOS or Android smartphones using the "RoboRemote" infrared dongle in addition to the conventional remote control.
RoboSapien Blue
Introduced in 2014, RoboSapien Blue features a black-and-blue color scheme and supports Bluetooth connectivity for iOS and Android devices alongside the included remote control.
RoboSapien Remix
Debuting in 2021, RoboSapien Remix is a streamlined robot equipped with a spring-loaded shooter, a button to switch personalities, music-driven dancing capabilities, and robotic voice mimicry. It operates without any remote control; all functions are managed directly on the device through sound activation.
Specifications
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Film
The CGI/live-action hybrid movie titled Robosapien: Rebooted, produced by Avi Arad, was initially announced in 2008 and subsequently released in 2013.