Unveiled in Tokyo by the Takara-Tomy group, the I-Sobot is a programmable humanoid robot aimed at the adult market, according to the japanese firm. This high-tech toy could very well attract kids as well with its multiple skills such as walking, complex and acrobatic moves, and playing music. It can also understand vocal commands and pronounce close to 200 words.

At a size of 16,5 centimetres and weighig 350 grams, the I-Sobot would be the smallest humanoid robot according to its designers and would be the most versatile for its price range. It does not require any assembly of pieces. Its infrared remote control lets you guide it at a distance and program scripts.

It works with 17 servo-motors that help it move and a gyro-sensor to keep it balanced while walking and dancing. It’s powered with 3 AAA batteries (new generation of rechargeables Eneloop from Sanyo) for an autonomy of 30 minutes. A version with a cam, and a revolving head, that can send images to your PC or tphone via WiFi is in the works.

Available in Japan in October for 30 000 yen, the I-Sobot will than be launched in the United-States in an english version (300 to 350 US dollars), and should be launched in Europe in 2008. The name i-Sobot is a japanese pun meaning « Let’s play » when pronounced in english.

Takaratomy