Wowwee Robosapien Robotic Humanoid Toy Robot Remote
Written: Nov 06 '09 (Updated Nov 06 '09)
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Pros: good price, solid build, loads of features, programable via remote control, lots fun all ages
Cons: infrared not radio frequency, cannot interface with computer out of the box.
The Bottom Line: If your gift recipient doesn't love the Robosapien -- return that person for repair. This robot is a blast of good wholesome fun for ALL ages.
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| GaryD's Full Review: Wowwee Robosapien Robotic Humanoid Toy Robot Remot... |
I NEED A ROBOT!
I need a robot like I need another hole in the head but then again robots are so much fun. I received my first robot as a child — he was somewhat boxy in shinny silver metal and plastic with some color markings. The top section of his head was ("is" because I still have it) clear plastic that would flash and light up. He would spend around, move forwards, backwards, and turn when an obstacle got in his way. The arms moved as if he were running and two clear shaped rods would exit his chest in an in-and-out motion with gun shooting sound with light sparking. He roamed the house freely once powered up. I loved my remote control toys too (wired controlled not wireless LOL) back then and automated robots and trains.
The Robosapien series brings back a myriad of fawned memories and experiences, best yet robots today are far more advanced sporting a wealth of features, programmability, and cherished delights. Today the robots are more humanoid in their movements but nonetheless they are still novelties with the exceptions of those used in industry for repetitive procedures.
I was really wanting version two or three of Robosapien but with the economy in such straights and my sole purpose for buying Robosapien V1 I thought it be best to limit expenditures at or below the $100 level at present.
This is not a spare of the moment spontaneous purchase. As most of you whom regularly read my reviews are aware I'm not a spontaneous purchasing consumer. I’m just not a spontaneous individual period that’s not a “bad” thing either. I prefer to have my purchases well thought out so I obtain what I want in high quality and durability at a justifiable price point for that product. Much time and effort goes into a good 99% of consumer product evaluating item specifications and consumer feedback. There is 1% of time where I convince myself to trust a product and/or manufacture when there is evidence presented that sounds or reads logical and will add value to my existences. Then I take time out to share my experience of euphoria or dismay so you can share in the happiness or avoid the downfall and disappointment.
I've been developing a self-sustaining power source for some time, testing my research and prototypes in various aspects and at different levels of power usage. Since the Robosapien requires four "D" batteries for the remote and three "AA" batteries for Robosapien himself — he has been elected as my ideal candidate for this experimentation. Best part is I'll have some play time using regular batteries to determine life expectancy under excessive use and witness his reliability.
ROBOTS RULE!
Robosapien V1 towers at approximately 14 inches in height a good size for child and adult to enjoy. He sports a variety of features and preprograms with options to limitly program the ‘bot’ via his remote.
The robot is stylish in his two-tone black and white colors which bears a strong resemblance to a Star Wars Storm Trooper.
Robosapien V1 is a genuine sport dancing around the room, spewing caveman remarks with modern flair, and showing off is classic karate moves.
His entertainment value should keep children captive for hours of play. The accompanying remote control is infrared requiring direct line of sight for operation. The remote has three operations assign to each key reducing key clutter a master key actives the different functions for each key set. An LED at the top of the remote will change color upon depressing the master function key offering the user visual feedback as to what functions are in play.
I found it best to tinker around with the remote and actively participate in its discovery. The included manual was most sparse and not greatly informative. Luckily the remote and Robosapien V1 are highly intuitive.
Battery life is remarkable with this robot. I installed fresh energizer batteries and they are still going strong. I have owned ‘Robo’ for little over a month now.
PROGRAMING ROBOSAPIEN V 1
‘Robo’ is easily programmed once you have study the keys and their functions. He possesses a listening mode where sudden sharp or loud sounds will set him into action. His volume level is relatively high and no way to rise or lower the sound without modifying the robot yourself.
When programming I prefer to incorporate the preprogram setting too setting Robosapien V1 into listening mode permitting him to ramble around the household at random. He could easily be your child’s poor-man-security-system. By including the preset routines in with your own programming you extend Robosapien’s runtime.
Although he is fully functional through remote operation his movements appear to me to be more fluid when ‘Robo’ runs on his own.
THE REMOTE
We have all had remotes in our hand at one time or another with all the wonderful electronic devices in our homes today. In this time each of us has determined what we like and dislike about these various remotes because it is indeed a personal preference. Maybe a remote has to many keys, not enough keys, to long, to short, to light, to heavy, or not comfortable in the hand.
Well, WOWWEE has designed Robosapien’s remote to be just right. It’s not too small, not to light or heavy, has an interesting torso shape in the same black and white two-tone as its slave.
Small hands and large hands can operate ‘Robo’ in comfort for extended periods. The keys are well spaced for large fingers like mine and still manageable for a child’s nimble fingers.
THE BOX – A DAY OF UNPACKING
Robosapien is definitely well packed so be prepared to take some time removing him from his confinement. I cannot recollect a time an item was so severely contained. The web of twist ties, packaging tape, and hot glue takes several minutes to remove. However, you can snip the twist ties with a good set of wire cutters, a utility blade to cut around the clear packaging tape, and pluck away at the hot glue.
There’s no chance for your new robot to go anywhere until you remove the myriad of packaging accessories. I wanted to preserve the packaging as much as possible in the event a return would be necessary. The time to rescue Robosapien V1 took a solid thirty minutes (if thinking about a Christmas gift for a child — definitely remove the bulk of material and install batteries prior to wrapping) nothing dampens the excitement has waiting f-o-r-e-v-e-r to begin play.
A black plastic pick-up bucket is included but I’ll lay odds you’ll want him to retrieve other small items beside that.
RECOMMENDATION
This is a ten star product on a five star scale . . . if you or your child doesn’t love Robosapien (any version) please return yourself for repair — LOL. He is ready right out of the box to delight the grumpiest of scrooges. If you have a more experienced lad on your list move up to V2 or V3 if you can get your hands on one. ‘Robo’ is loads of fun at a remarkable price point ($50US). Whether you are five or a hundred and five robots are the joy of all ages. A must have!
CONCLUSION
In the past I leaned more toward specification during my evaluation and reviews of a product but with Robosapien I feel he is more of wonderment to experience. Therefore I have not elaborated in detail regarding the wealth of things he can do. I think this should be a discovery that sparks creativity into those inquisitive eyes.
Thank you for your time reading my review I do hope you have found it useful in your decision making. ‘Robo’ is a rather sturdy toy that should offer hours of enjoyment to any kid or kid-at-heart. I welcome your comments and appreciate any feedback you wish to share. I’ll respond as time permits. I attempt to check back at least once a week. Happy Holidays! Thanks again for taking time out of your busy schedule to give my review a read.
PS: Robosapien has a dark plastic visor which lowers to shield his bright red LED eyes. The visor is rather flush to the helmet on his head. In front at the edge in the center you will see a thin seam – place a finger nail there and slide it down. It gives ‘Robo’ another look.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 50.00
Type of Toy: Radio Control
Age Range of Child: Whole Family
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GaryD
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Location: Kentucky
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