Average Reviews:
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^++ The Pros ++^
+ Excellent price to functionality ratio. It walks, it talks and it can balance on 1 leg...It can even do a somersault (to name just a few things)...All for about the price of a Robosapien V2. But in terms of robotics ability the V2 is a $0.99 Store cheapy in comparison.
+ Comes packaged with 3xAAA Eneloop batteries and a battery charger. This is an excellent addition. If you're not familiar with Eneloops brand batteries, in a nutshell they have an outstandingly low self-discharge rate while in storage. So no worries if the Robot goes off to storage for a bit, the batteries will still be decently charged when I-Sobot makes a re-appearance
+ It walks. Not some gimmicky pseudo walking, I-Sobot actually stands on 2 feet and takes human-like steps.
+ It can get back to a standing position, using 1 of 2 sequences based on whether it's on its back or belly.
+ It can balance on 1 leg and do kicks (front kicks, like kicking a soccer ball, and side-kicks like doing martial arts).
+ 4 Modes of operation:
+++ Remote Control Mode: Essentailly a real-time mode almost like a video game, where your inputs have almost immediate results.
+++ Special Action Mode: Enter in special key sequences and I-Sobot does pre-defined actions, such as doing a re-enactment of the "go ahead, make my day" from Dirty Harry.
+++ Program Mode: Enter in multiple sequences from the other modes and save them to be played in order
+++ Voice Command Mode: I-Sobot reacts accordingly to certain voice queues.
+ I-Sobot was conceptualized and made in Japan. Anyone familiar with the Hobby of Humanoid Robotics knows that Japan is essentially the forerunner of the hobby, not to mention the Japanese following for it (compared to any other country, especially America) is far higher. This makes the I-Sobot both an impressive feat of engineering and durable/reliable.
+ Excellent re-playability. Take the Tickle-Me Elmo TMX as an example. I bought one for my young son and only after a couple of minutes of watching it do the same things over and over, he lost interest and Elmo has been collecting dust ever since. The I-Sobot, on the other hand, has kept him near mesmerized for a couple of weeks and even now that's its been months later, I-Sobot still makes near daily appearances to entertain him.^-- The Cons --^
- The I-Sobot DEVOURS battery power! If the robot is going to be used on a regular basis, I'd highly recommend buying at least 2 more sets (6 more AAA size) of batteries. The robot has 17 servos, so it's to be expected and par for the course to power this little marvel.
- No volume adjustment. The speech and sound F/X is quite loud and unfortunately there's no volume adjustment.
- Effective on flat, even surfaces only (like Hardwood Floors). It'll work on carpet and such, but not reliably.Final Words
Especially now that the I-Sobot can be had for under 200 hundred dollars (with a little shopping around, WELL under 200), it's a great time to pickup one of these truly bi-pedal humanoid robots. You'll find yourself coming back to it again and again, not to mention anyone you show it to is impressed at seeing something about the size of a chunky action figure walking, talking, kicking and doing air guitar!
If you've ever had a fascination with robots, the I-Sobot is the real deal.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Tomy I-SOBOT Robot
There's no shortage of fun with the amazing i-SOBOT, the World's Smallest Robot. Packed with over 200 words and phrases, and more than 200 pre-programmed movements, this robot can do everything from saying goodbye to dancing the hula. Recommended for kids aged 10 and up, the i-SOBOT is ready to rock 'n' roll right out of the box. Smooth Robotic MovementWith unbelievably smooth robotics, the i-SOBOT walks more like a human than a robot. This fully-functional and fully-assembled robot features 17 custom designed actuators and gyro-sensor, allowing it to keep balance and freely move joints for impressive performance, vivid movement, and incredible flexibility. Other main components include a built-in speaker unit and built-in microphone with a voice recognition chip. With built-in clutches and metal gears, the i-SOBOT offers up to 220-degree movement. The two infrared transmission bands allow the robot to be operated with an LCD remote control. Robots Moves From Talking To DancingAlso performing by programmable memory and by the sound of your voice, the i-SOBOT will make your day and impress your friends with his moves. Putting the meaning back into "action-packed," the 6.5-inch tall robot dances to the beat, does push-ups and somersaults, imitates animals, hula dances, plays air guitar, kicks and punches with sound effects, and even responds to applause. Not only does the i-SOBOT talk with a vocabulary of 200 words and phrases, it also plays its own music. What's in the Box Robot, LCD remote control, hexagon wrench, action chart, operation manual and 3 AAA batteries.
