Hexbug Original (Colors May Vary)

by Innovation First Labs, Inc.

Product Features

• Nano - Micro Robotic Creatures
• The robotic creature that behaves like a real bug
• Colors may vary
• Go online to register and track your Nano collection
• Additional bugs, track, habitats, carrying cases and more are available separately

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 4.2 x 3.8 inches ; 2.7 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00164CKIO
• Item model number: 401-1150
• Our recommended age: 5 - 12 years
• Manufacturer recommended age: 5 years and up
• Batteries: 2 Nonstandard Battery batteries required. (included)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,059 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
  • #26 in Toys & Games > Learning & Education > Science
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The robotic creature that reacts to touch and sound. Colors may vary. Batteries included.

Product Description

The robotic creature that reacts to touch and sound. Colors may vary. Batteries included.

Features include:

•Nano - Micro Robotic Creatures
•The robotic creature that behaves like a real bug
•Colors may vary
•Go online to register and track your Nano collection
•Additional bugs, track, habitats, carrying cases and more are available separately
 

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars The Bug with a bug., December 3, 2009

By 

J. M. Anderson (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:1.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased this toy for a 5-year-old boy who loves mechanical things. I took it out of it's box to check that it worked and found that once it turned on, it marched in a tight circle and did not change direction when it hit objects, as advertised.

The seller shipped a replacement, and I thought that was the end of it. I made the mistake of giving it as a gift without checking it. The replacement bug also marches in a tight counter-clockwise circle! This new one at least changes direction slightly when it hits other objects, but the problem with its legs/sense of direction is such that it just ends up getting stuck again.

It was a real disappointment to me. The little boy and I ended up flipping it over and getting some amusement out of watching its legs wiggle in the air, but it definitely was a bummer that it doesn't work properly.

I think this may be a design flaw. The legs don't coordinate very well which leads to them getting stuck. Both hexbugs that were shipped to me have the same problem: their back left leg doesn't work as well as the one on the right, so it just moves in circles.

48 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Go On...Bug me, Charlie!, June 6, 2008

By 

Arcturus70 "Arcturus70" (In the Orion Spur of the Milky Way Galaxy) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

My favorite bug! This is a delightful little product that brings a smile and a laugh to all who see it. I keep Charlie on my desk at work, and when I think someone could use a cheerful diversion, I turn him on... allowing him to crawl around my desk until he bumps into something and changes direction. LOL :) Charlie is a pleaser to be sure...

This little robot is actually very interesting and cleverly constructed. His clear, blue-tinted body allows one to see his electronic insides and mechanisms. He responds to touch via his wire feelers, and with bug like "aplomb," he will respond to a loud clap or other loud noise. Creative science teachers probably can gain a lot of mileage with their students by discussing how Charlie works and how robotic creatures are now influencing, helping, and / or otherwise changing how humanity thinks and operates. I actually used him in a lecture to college students on philosophical concepts like free choice vs. predetermined paths; power relationships, and the "virtue of the small," the appreciation of small things, which can have big impacts. I asked my students to ponder this: what if you had an off switch? (How would this affect your life?)

Charlie, I think, is named for one of the letters of the NATO Spelling alphabet. The HexBug family consists of Charlie and four buggy brothers: Alpha (Orange); Bravo (Green); Delta (Yellow); Echo (Red). Each bug is unique in color and shape.

Charlie can best be cared for and appreciated by children eight and older--to adults. Charlie is too fragile for very young children, and he is full of small parts. (While toddlers may be fascinated with his movements as my nephew is when he sees mine, toddlers = have a tendency to be too rough with things. So, I DO NOT recommend Charlie / Hexbugs as a toy for that age child. )

As with any toy, adults should supervise and be aware of how Charlie is used.

NOTE: I think the maker of the Hexbugs will be introducing an crab and an inchworm in future products

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HEXBUG, October 17, 2009

A Kid's Review

I have been researching robots and bionics because I want to build one myself. I found the HEXBUG collection and purchased a few (well my mom did), these are great examples of little robots and a great way to extend your research beyond books and the internet.