After months of anticipation, Tomy has finally started preorders in Japan for the latest Omnibot which ships in mid-late September 2007. The Omnibot line of toys originated in the mid-80s when Famicom was king and the design of the Omnibot 2000 bore a striking similarity to Nintendo's Robotic.Operating.Buddy. Tomy's new model makes use of today's technology to bring devotees of robotics an advanced and entertaining toy to explore and enjoy.
I-SOBOT features articulated arms and legs so it can crouch and pose with a whirring of motors and machinery. A total of 17 servo-motors inside the robot allow it to move and act out. When walking, I-SOBOT takes baby steps and waddles from side to side in penguin-like fashion. When it's time to sidle left or right, I-SOBOT can handle that too by stepping waddling sideways like a hustler. Since I-SOBOT is fully articulated, it can pose in a variety of ways and even perform push-ups like a miniature robotic Arnold Schwarzenegger. If slow-motion somersaults are your thing, I-SOBOT can do those as well. That's not all however. Omnibot also speaks in a monotonous robotic voice that's evocative of a motorized munchkin.
The remote control included with the Omnibot 17μ handles all of its movements and speech. Instructions may also be programmed into the remote for Omnibot to execute in sequence - for example, make Omnibot walk, kick left, and then tumble forward. An LCD on the remote control keeps track of instructions. Some specs from Takara-Tomy follow:
Size / Scale: 16.5 cm or 6.49" tall
Features:
- Can speak more than 200 words and make more than 80 sounds
- Executable mode - program moves with the remote control
- Remote control mode play - take direct control of the Omnibot
- Voice control mode play - bark out voice commands and Omnibot obeys
- Rechargeable batteries and charger included
- Built-in gyro-sensor for position detection
Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late September 2007 at US$299 each. Please note that a USA version of the Omnibot is also expected to ship in October 2007 at approximately US$300-$350.
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