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Sean Snyder

i-SOBOT Commentary: One Man’s View of Robotic Toy

File under Low Brow Commentary.

I recently wrote about the i-SOBOT toy robot in an article, but had a few comments which are a little better suited for a blog.

Overall the i-SOBOT looks like a fun time, but based on the demo I saw on the website, its movement sometimes resembles a cross between Sweatin to the Oldies and a field sobriety test.

Fortunately it proves it is not drunk and can maintain its full balance throughout the entire movement, which at times is surprising because of the broad swings it takes.

Another aspect displayed in the demonstration videos was for operating the remote, which seems fairly intuitive for simple commands, but once you want to perform a complex sequence, it turns into learning how to throw a fireball in Street Fighter 2 or if you would prefer, extra lives in Contra (if you aren’t familiar, ask someone between 25 and 40 years old to explain this tidbit of antiquated video game info).

The project manager of the i-SOBOT also told me that the functions of the android are preloaded and a user can not redefine the functions of the servo… hmmmm… if I were you I’d take that as a challenge.

I’d be really interested in seeing any modifications or hacks you may come up with in regard to this product. If you do come up with anything let me know and post it bellow. The price tag is a little heavy at a suggested retail price of $350, but when you consider the cost of a full size android, this little guy might be a better investment for hacking toy androids.