A nice review by krunker.com:
Yes, this is indeed a robotic ant – complete with legs, antenna, and hooked claws. It moves along quickly using wheel legs and avoids objects in its path thanks to front and rear touch sensors. The inner body comes loaded with robotic “guts” which is “protected by a hard, transparent exoskeleton casing.”
Read more: http://www.krunker.com/2009/02/16/innovation-first-intros-hexbug-ant/
Doug, Design Director at Innovation First, gives a demonstration of the HEXBUG product line at the Toy Fair. Click ‘Meet the Exhibitors I’ in the embedded video below.
HEXBUG Ant was featured in a story on Gizmodo this morning ..
their latest, the Ant, locomotes with wheel legs—not quite a wheel, not quite a leg—zippily enough to give real bugs a run for their money.
Read more: http://i.gizmodo.com/5154265/hexbug-robot-ants-can-outrace-real-cockroaches
Botropolis.com brought a Bunk Bot over to visit the HEXBUG booth at the 2009 Toy Fair.
Bunk Bots know no fear. Here’s a shot of our guy entering the Hex Bug arena and preparing to do battle. The HEXBUG Ant is the latest in this buggy line, a speedy six-legged micro robotic creature with long mobile antennas and hooked claws. Just like the HEXBUG Inchworm, Crab and Original, they are designed to mimic the real insects.
Read the whole post: Toy Fair 2009: Two Full Aisles of Robots
Innovation First, Inc. Ramps Up Production Line for Worldwide Distribution
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Innovation First, Inc., an industry leader in consumer robotics toys as well as educational and competitive robotics products, today introduced the HEXBUG Ant – a speedy six-legged micro robotic creature with razor-thin, long tactile antennas and hooked claws. The ultra-engaging HEXBUG assortment is on display this week at the Jacob A. Javits Convention Center at the New York International Toy Fair 2009.
The industrious critter features front and rear touch sensors that allow it to maneuver around objects in its path and wheel-legs that propel it ten times faster than any other HEXBUG. Featuring an inner body loaded with robotic guts protected by a hard, transparent exoskeleton casing, the HEXBUG Ant is the latest autonomous creature to join the family of Inchworm, Crab and first generation creepy crawlers. Available in five colors, the HEXBUG Ant will be introduced in April 2009 exclusively at RadioShack stores across the US.
“HEXBUG creatures provide hours of fun while introducing kids to the world of robotics,” said Joel Carter, vice president marketing of Innovation First. “Our debut of the HEXBUG Ant is testament to the popularity of the brand and now, we are expanding beyond our global reach into Canada, Japan, Australia, and Asia by adding distribution in the UK and European Union.”
First introduced in 2007, HEXBUG Micro Robotic Creatures measure just six centimeters long. Beyond the HEXBUG Ant, the portfolio includes:
The HEXBUG Micro Robotic product line meets the most stringent safety regulations put into action by the new CPSIA law, designed with the underlying intention of protecting children and the environment from poisonous products.
Retail stores and chain merchandise buyers can procure Innovation First products by visiting the company’s wholesale Web portal tailored to service merchandise buyers with small and medium sized retail stores and chains. After setting up a reseller account online, buyers may log on to www.wholesale.innovationfirst.com and make wholesale purchases using a company credit card or, after establishing a credit history, Purchase Order. Users may specify shipping addresses including direct shipments to third party locations.
In addition to developing its product line and wholesale Web portal, the company has launched several online resources for the advancement of the robotics industry, including www.RobotEvents.com, which provides comprehensive information on the latest robotics news, blogs, competitive events, educational workshops and information to enthusiasts.
Note to editors: Booth #3037
About Innovation First, Inc.
Innovation First, a privately held corporation, was founded on the belief that innovation very early in the design process is necessary to produce simple and elegant product designs. Innovation First began producing electronics for unmanned mobile ground robots, and is now an industry leader in the hobby, toy, competition and education markets. The company’s award winning Vex Robotics Design System, HEXBUG Micro Robotic Creatures and IFI Robotics span the education, consumer and business-to-business markets. Leveraging the company’s core competency in electrical and mechanical engineering, the RackSolutions division works closely with all major computer OEMs to provide custom mounting solutions and industry-wide rack compatibility for data installations of all sizes. With an advanced in-house metal fabrication plant, distribution center, and offices located together in a 13 acre complex in Greenville, Texas, the company is poised to continue on a rapid growth path. Please visit www.innovationfirst.com for additional information.
HEXBUG made the top-30 most-viewed products (out of 5000+) in TDmonthly during 2008.
According to more than 60 reviews on Amazon.com and Radioshack.com, this fun, durable toy has been rated 4 out of 5 stars due to its entertaining and educational features. It is portable for any occasion and appropriate for any age.
HEXBUG has been listed on iParenting Media’s Best Products of 2009 Listing.
We are pleased to announce the winners of the iParenting Media Awards Best Products of 2009. Please click the link below to view the products honored with an iParenting Media Award:
http://www.iparentingmediaawards.com/press/winners/best2009.php
To be considered for an iParenting Media Award, companies submitted four identical samples of each product that were precisely matched using iParenting’s state-of-the-art technology to experienced reviewers within iParenting’s database. Products were thoroughly reviewed and evaluated by a variety of sources including experts and families. Results were compiled and submitted to the iParenting Media Executive Committee for final approval.
About iParenting Media
iParenting.com, an online community for parents and parents-to-be, is part of Disney Online’s network of family-focused Web sites including Disney Family.com, FamilyFun.com and Wondertime.com.
Founded in 1996 the company has grown from a single pregnancy site, www.PregancyToday.com, to an award-winning network of more than 40 sites, in English and Spanish. The iParenting sites address a range of parenting issues from preconception through raising teenagers and beyond. iParenting Media’s Editor-in-Chief, Elisa Ast All, MSJ, writes a monthly newspaper column and co-hosts a Chicago-based radio show, Points on Parenting.
iParenting Media produces the highly-respected iParenting Media Awards program. Consumers can learn more about iParenting Media Award-winning products, and where to purchase the products via a retailer network online directory, by visiting www.iParentingMediaAwards.com/consumer.
http://www.iparentingmediaawards.com/press/winners/best2009.php
The HEXBUG Crab gets a quick review over at The Gadgeeteer.
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/02/04/spotlight-gadget-hexbug/
