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]


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]


Nano V2

A development of the Nano, released in 2013.[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 also black holes. [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]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Press Release" (PDF). 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. 1 2 "Nano V2". HEXBUG Nano V2.
  6. ↑ Heater, Brian. "Aquatic Robots Are Taking Jobs from Hardworking Goldfish". Yahoo! Tech. Retrieved 21 February 2014.

External links

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