Hexbug

Hexbug Spider, as available in December of 2010.

Hexbug is a brand of toy automatons developed and distributed by Innovation First. Hexbug was inspired by BEAM robotics, and uses many elements of it. Originally released in the US through RadioShack, it is now sold in most major retail stores. The original was based on 6-legged arthropods, but now comes in several different varieties. The name "Hexbug", however, has more to do with the shape of the packaging it is sold in than the number of legs it has.

Varieties

Original Hexbug

This Hexbug is an autonomous toy bug that reacts to loud sounds and pressure on the antennae and scurries around the room. It was the first Hexbug made and is classified by the NATO Phonetic Alphabet rather than color; Alpha (orange), Bravo (green), Charlie (blue), Delta (yellow), and Echo (red). There are 5 different original hexbugs and all are different shapes. Released in 2007 at RadioShack. [1] [2]

Inchworm

The Inchworm is a remote controlled robot that moves by lifting and placing its body on the ground. It turns by means of a spinning leg on the underside of the robot. It is available in two bands, allowing two people to play at the same time without radio interference.

Crab

The Crab is designed to avoid bright lights and hide in dark spots by way of a photodetector. It will move around until it finds a dark place, then stops. It will also move in reaction to loud noises. Unlike other autonomous Hexbug models, the crab will change direction randomly rather than waiting for an obstacle.

Ant

Similar in design to the Original, but with wheel-like legs, the ant is built to move much more quickly than other models. It moves in a straight line until it bumps into an obstacle, then reverses direction at high speed. It has contact sensors on both ends. The Ant was designed with high speed in mind, for a different pattern than other Hexbugs. It can work on things as soft as a blanket and rebound off pillows.

Spider

The spider is a remote controlled robot built on a radial body design. Rather than turning its whole body, it rotates its head and walks in the direction it is facing. A red marker on the front of the head shows which way it is facing, and lights up while it turns for better visibility.

Larva

The Larva is designed with an optical sensor in its front end to prevent itself from running into obstacles. When the sensor detects an object, the Larva turns, then moves forward again. In this way, it is similar to the original, but moving in a more seemingly organic way.

Scarab

The Scarab is a fast moving mechanical robot made to resemble a beetle with six legs. The movement is autonomous and random, reacting to obstacles with a rapid change in direction. The Scarab will automatically get back onto its feet if it is upside-down. Internal gears and motors are visible through its translucent shell. Powered by three replaceable LR44 (AG13) batteries. [3]

Warrior

The warrior range of Hexbugs are designed for Hexbug battles. It has a glowing light which represents the 'health' of the bug. It also has a mechanical weapon which 'lowers the opponent's health'. The warrior can not work on carpet but can be a great way to have battles with e.g. nanos.

XL

A larger version of some of the remote controlled bugs. Spider XL and Inchworm XL.

Nano

These are similar with Hexbug V2 but these nanos can't climb. These can be fitted with zip line backpack, glow in the dark skeleton and antlers attachment. They also come with an assortment of habitats. The Nano seems to be intelligent and to be social, but only have a small motor. They use the laws of physics to move forward.When the motor spins ,it creates up and down movements which are transformed to forward movement by rubber legs(12 in total).They come in very big assortment of colors and "mutations" like in:habitat sets, halloween nanos and christmas editions, etc...

Nano V2

A development of the Nano, released in 2014.[4] Another bristlebot, these have three additional flexible spines on their top surface.[5] This gives them the new ability to climb vertically between two suitably spaced plates or tube walls. As the upper spines are only a narrow row, the 'bots are unstable when upside down and so become self-righting.

A variety of clear plastic tube habitats are offered with them. These range from a simple vertical tube to demonstrate climbing, through to multi 'bot habitats with multiple horizontal arenas linked by curved climbing tubes in clear plastic. A variety of additional construction set set tube parts are available, including twisted tubes and funnels [5]

Aquabot

A line of miniature robotic fish, released in 2013. The built in sensors contained in the robots detect liquid, which activates the caudal fin.[6]

Distribution

Hexbug was originally distributed in the US through RadioShack and later Toys "R" Us, but is now available in most large retail stores, including Target, Kmart, Walmart and many more.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Press Release". Retrieved 25 November 2013.
  2. ↑ "WayBackMachine of HEXBUG.com July 1, 2007". Retrieved 25 November 2013.
  3. ↑ "Scarab design reference from HEXBUG.com". Retrieved 25 November 2013.
  4. ↑ "HEXBUG Nano V2". HEXBUG.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Nano V2". HEXBUG Nano V2.
  6. ↑ Heater, Brian. "Aquatic Robots Are Taking Jobs from Hardworking Goldfish". Yahoo! Tech. Retrieved 21 February 2014.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hexbug.