Robosapien

Every year, I put together a list of what I consider to be the year's "Hot Christmas Toys". I compile the list in mid-October, but this year I'm going to go out on a limb and selecting my #1 choice for the hottest 2004 Christmas Toy, today: Robosapien.

The Robosapien is a Remote Control (RC) toy reported to run "fast enough to scare a cat" and can pick up items with amazing grace -- and at just under $100, it's cheaper than last year's Barbie fixation, the Cook with Me Kitchen.

If the Robosapiens live up to their description, they are going to be the coolest toy to come out in a long time and more sought after than Tickle-Me Elmo. According to the toy's creators (Wow Wee), the Robosapien is designed by a NASA Scientist and features:

• Multi-speed fast dynamic walking, running, and turning
• Fast, full function arms with two types of grippers
• 67 pre-programmed functions (pick-up, throw, kick, sweep, dance, fart, beltch, rap, and multiple kung-fu moves)
• Speaks fluent international "caveman"
• Up to 84 program steps, with 4 program modes for advanced operations
• Runs on regular batteries for over 6 hours
• Three demonstration modes: Disco dance, Rude behavior, and Kung Fu kata
• The Robosapien is simple enough for kids and advanced enough for adults.

Some people may be bothered by the Robosapien's reported ability to belch and fart, but frankly, I think the most disturbing behavior is the Robosapien's ability to Disco [shudder].

These bad boys aren't available for purchase yet, but you can pre-order through Amazon -- yep, I've already pre-ordered mine. ;-)

"Robo Sapien" : "Robot Human"

Price: (at the time of this review)
$99.00

Resources

• Pre-order your Robosapien at Amazon
• Wow Wee's Robosapien (Information Only)
• Hot Christmas Toys 2003
• Robosapien Evolution: Get a behind the scenes look at the evolution of and the creator of Robosapien.