Ultimate WALL•E
© 2008 Disney Consumer Products
While he can't compact your trash into perfect cubes, this movie-inspired robot uses technology borrowed from RC vehicles, your mouse pad and automatic paper towel dispensers to create a life-like $200 robot that turns heads at birthday parties, or any other place where children might gather. Ultimate Wall-E is one of two movie-inspired robots from Disney Consumer Electronics by Thinkway Toys (www.thinkwaytoys.com), and should not be confused with a smaller $30 rendition that dances to your MP3 player. Powered by a rechargeable Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydroxide) battery, Ultimate Wall-E has two large, rubbery tank treads controlled by twin joysticks on the IR remote. The treads are effective at moving the robot's heavy body over a variety of surfaces rather quickly, including thick carpet or floor edges. Other sensors will turn the robot's head toward a sound source in a very lifelike way. While the arms move and can be posed, they have no other function. Testers confirmed that WALL-E is best for driving around, scaring dogs or impressing young fans of the movie. A touch pad on the remote allows for quick turns, and macro keys can be programmed to execute a series of pre-made routines that can be stored in memory. If the robot gets too close to a table leg, CDS sensors located in the robot's base (of the variety that can sense your hand under a towel dispenser) prevent the collisions. The onboard sound sensors pick up sound direction very well, so that Wall-E can turn toward the noise, point with his arm, and blink with bright blue LED eyes. So is he worth the $200? That's a toss up. See the demo at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyIcGahHq3E.
$200, Smart Toy
Teaches: some programming, remote controls