Hexbug Nano
© 2009 Innovation First, Inc.
Giving the term "computer bug" new meaning, Hexbug Nano is the fifth and latest model in a line of five types of single button-cell powered micro-robots on display during this year's Toy Fair in New York. Created by the education company Innovation First, the bugs are great for introducing concepts like micro-mechanics, clean randomness, and the fine motor skills required to replace a single AG13 button cell battery, which gives the Nano it's zip. See the motion, at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAt7oYCk40g. The latest model is interesting simply because it does so much with so few moving parts. Introduced November 2009, Nano moves a lot like a fast roach, but looks more like the business end of a tooth brush, with 12 silicon and plastic legs instead of bristles. Flip a tiny toggle switch underneath, and a motor spins a counterweight a hundred or so times per second, creating tiny jumps. This up and down motion, when bounced on the silicon and plastic legs, causes the forward, chaotic and bug-like motion that inventor Bob Mimlitch calls "clean randomness." Another term might be creepy. But the Nano's most impressive trick is the ability to flip itself back onto its legs, just like a real roach. Mimlitch told me "we knew we had something amazing when it did that."
$10, Smart Toy
Teaches: robotics, math, probability
CTR Rating: 92%