- Roboraptor
Roboraptor is a
robotic toy invented byMark Tilden and distributed byWow Wee Toys International. It is the successor to theRoboSapien robot and uses motion technology based on realisticbiomechanics that give it fluid and natural movements. It has a multi-function remote control that uses infrared technology to talk to it. Unlike the originalRoboSapien , the Roboraptor is capable of autonomous movement, using 3 realistic gaits.Sensors
Roboraptor comes with several
sensors that allow it to monitor and interact with its environment. It has infrared and stereo sound sensors on its head, and touch sensors on its chin, tail, and mouth.Autonomous behaviors
It has four different modes of behavior or moods: hunting, cautious, playful, and free-roam. In hunting mode, it will react to sharp sounds and progressively focus its attention more intensely on repeated sounds coming from the same direction. In cautious mode, it will react oppositely and move away from sounds it hears. In playful mode, it will react to sounds in a more whimsical fashion but neither approaching nor avoiding them. In free-roam mode, it will explore its environment, avoiding obstacles and stopping occasionally to listen for loud sounds to investigate. The Raptor does not walk well on carpet and cannot be programmed.
Flexible behaviors
When one touches one of Roboraptor's touch sensors, its reaction will vary depending on its mood. Touching its face when it is hunting will make it react angrily and most likely attempt to "attack" the person touching it. But if it is feeling playful, it will nuzzle the person's hand and then "attack", using its jaws.
Laser targeting
Early versions of the Roboraptor could also follow a laser-like target painted on the ground. This could be used this to lead it around a room under direct control. However, this feature was removed from later units.
Mini Roboraptor
There is also a smaller version of Roboraptor available. However, it does not have a remote control or different modes of behavior. It is not an autonomous robot so much as it is a wind-up toy, though the smaller version does actually run on batteries. It's a smaller, cheaper, less functional Roboraptor. It walks at a single pace, but it does not have any other sensors.
External links
* [http://www.roboraptoronline.com/ Roboraptor at Wow Wee]
* [http://www.robocommunity.com RoboCommunity] - The official WowWee Robotics user community
* [http://www.robocommunity.com/article/10110/ Evolution of the Roboraptor]
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