Hurray! The iSOBOT we introduced you to in January is now coming to America, according to a nice little press packet from Tomy. The price? $299. When? Well, that's a little less clear, although it's "just in time for Christmas," according to one undated press release in the press pack, and "in October 2007" according to another. We suspect it's the latter. Actually, the same press releases that lists October as the ship date says it will be priced at about $350. Hopefully we can clear this up Monday.
What makes this thing special? Seventeen custom servo motors, for one, as well as a built-in gyro sensor, 2 LEDs, voice command recognition and a speaking vocabulary of 200 words and phrases. Watch the iSOBOT strut his stuff here. Among the pre-programmed actions: pushups and air guitar.
The good folks at Guinness apparently have confirmed the robot is the "smallest robot in production" at less than 7 inches high. In an effort to fit in with American audiences, the little guy has created an appropriately hideous MySpace page, whose latest entry reads:
Whats up! I will be arriving to America shortly!! My purpose to the U.S. is to study the American culture. I am planning on staying as long as it takes me to absorb all that is "Americana" .. Technically, I am still pretty young (from concept to development) but I would also say I have the memory capacity and motor skills ..17 servo motors to be exact.. of a "teenage mutant ninja..." sorry..."teen-ager," cut me some slack.. I am still learning...Isobotrobot.com."
Tomy is positioning this as a hobby robot, rather than a pure toy. The good news is that it will come preassembled and preprogrammed. The only thing you have to do is teach it how to wreak havoc on your cat.
September 15, 2007 2:46 PM
This looks pretty cool, I like the functions it has such as the pushup, air guitar, and the words and phrases that it can say. Its not really bulky or heavy either.
November 1, 2007 4:23 PM
I just got mine from Amazon! I'm saving him for Christmas, but that's okay.
The little guy is quite an achievement. I'd sure like to find a set of drums like the ones he plays in the YouTube vids.
February 12, 2008 6:46 PM
I found the i-SOBOT for only $256.00 at DragonUSAOnline.com with free shipping. Does anyone know were I can find the Drums???
Enjoy
Raymond
November 3, 2008 10:44 AM
Just found the I-SOBOT for $99.95 at Hammacher Schlemmer. Perfect timing for the holidays.