Smart Lab ReCon 6.0 Programmable Rover

by Smart Lab

• Teaches basic programming, early mathematics, and basic problem solving
• Pre-built - no assembly required
• 48 page, full color guide book - 10 missions plus diagnostics test, mission maps, and step by step programming directions
• Projects create fun family interaction.
• Transcends intended target age, appealing to humans 8 to 88.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Origin: China
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: 1603800859
• Item model number: 09473
• Manufacturer recommended age: 8 years and up
• Batteries 3 C batteries required.
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,159 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)

Product Description

Amazon.com

More than just a toy robot, the SmartLab ReCon 6.0 Programmable Rover is a learning tool that teaches basic programming, early mathematics, and simple problem solving. Kids ages eight years and up can program the Rover to navigate specified courses to deliver a treat to a pet, surprise a family member with a personalized message, or when the mood strikes, dance. The Rover can also record and play sounds and flash its LEDs for alarmingly good fun.

Teaches basic programming, early math, and basic problem solving-all without use of a computer. View larger.

Teaches Basic Programming and Mathematics

Unlike conventional remote control toys, the Rover operates using simple programming functions that encourage learning early mathematics. Using the LCD screen and 10-button key pad, kids can enter a sequence of directions for the Rover to perform. These directions instruct the Rover to move forward, turn left or right, and go in reverse. The Rover's triangular track-drive system with third wheel ensures that the unit can make sharp turns where required.

To specify exact movements, a tape measure is included. Kids can map and record precise distances that can be entered and saved into the Rover's memory.

Programmable Commands Create Family Interactions

The Rover boasts a number of special features that encourage fun family interaction. Use the cargo hold on back to transport items such as a soda pop to Dad or a treat to a pet. There's also a built-in microphone and speaker that enable you to record a personalized message for playback. For more sensitive recon missions, the microphone can also be used to eavesdrop and record conversations.

Toy Robot can Guard or Get Down

The Rover can perform guard duties by using the loop command and sounding an alarm and flashing its LED headlights. When it's time to get down and have some real fun, the Rover can even be programmed to dance. Program it to pivot side to side, make short moves forward and back, and play a preprogrammed soundtrack to accompany the choreography.

Provides clear and concise instructions
for getting started. View larger.

Comprehensive Guidebook Included

To guide you in setting up the Rover, a 48-page spiral bound guidebook is included. This comprehensive book covers operating instructions, step-by-step programming guides, mission maps, and debriefing questions to gauge the success of your calculations. There's also informative trivia on mathematical equations, logic, and robot development to inspire learning.

Educational and Fun

Using the Rover may seem challenging at first, but with a little practice, the programming process becomes easy. Kids need only record measurements (in either feet or inches) of where they want the Rover to go and input that data into the unit. Admittedly, the Rover is somewhat slow in moving and making course changes, but it's still a fun way to learn basic programming skills and math. Expert users will appreciate the more advanced operating techniques the Rover can perform, including the use of sound and flashing lights.

What's in the Box

SmartLab ReCon 6.0 Programmable Rover, 5-foot tape measure, and guidebook with 10 pre-planned missions to get you started.

ReCon 6.0 Programmable Rover

At a Glance:

• Teaches basic programming, mathematics, and problem solving
• Programmable toy allows you to input navigation directions
• Built-in microphone and speaker for personalized fun
• Cargo hold transports small objects
• Guidebook provides step-by-step instructions

Age/Weight Requirements:

• Eight years and up

Assembly Requirements:

• Three C batteries (not included)

Awards and Honoralbe Mentions:

• Winner of the 2011 Parents Magazine Best Toy Award
• Winner of the 2011 Great Schools Golden Apple Award
• Winner of the 2011 Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products Award
• Winner of the 2011 Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award
• Winner of the 2011 Best Electronic Toy Award from Bestcovery

About SmartLab

SmartLab is a leading designer of educational toys for children ages four through 12, focusing on science toys, robotic toys, and arts & craft kits. Based in Bellevue, Washington, SmartLab stands out in the industry by including an informative book with each toy to provide a wealth of information on the given topic. SmartLab believes that kids learn best through hands-on exploration, so that experience is wrapped up in a fun, inventive toy and a cool book.

Founded in 2004, SmartLab began with just eight science kits. Today, more than 60 SmartLab products are sold worldwide, and have collectively won over 50 awards, including the 2011 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award and the 2011 Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award.

Product Description

The Programmable Rover is a toy, a robot, and a tool for learning. A child programs ReCon 6.0 to navigate specified courses that can deliver a treat to a pet, surprise a family member with a personalized message, carry a soda, guard a bedroom, or just dance. NO COMPUTER REQUIRED!

Specs:

UPC: 83450900-103-5
ISBN: 978-1-60380-085-3
Package: 10.5"w x 11.5"h x 10.5"d
Book: 48 pages, full color
Batteries: 3 C, not included
Ages: 8+

*Winner of the 2011 Great Schools Golden Apple Award.
*Winner of the 2011 Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products Award.
*Winner of the 2011 Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award.
*Winner of the 2011 Best Electronic Toy Award from Bestcovery.

See all Product Description

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars ReCon Rover 6.0 March 9, 2012

By Nancy K Taylor

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

Great product! 12 yr twins each have one and they love it. Very educational and fun. We received one that the voice/speaker didn't not work very well on. Notified SmartLab and they responded quickly to let us know that item was on backorder, but as soon as they received one, they would send it out and include prepaid postage for us. We received a call - earlier than expected letting us know they would be sending a replacement out. We received the replacement w/n a week. The replacement had been tested to assure it was working properly. They also told us to keep the old one. Great company to work with - SmartLabs - will definitely be ordering from them again. The great customer service they provided is hard to find these days. Was very impressed with the company.

28 of 33 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars ReCon Rover As Expected October 29, 2011

By Colleen Shibley

Durability: 5.0 out of 5 stars    Educational: 2.0 out of 5 stars    Fun: 4.0 out of 5 stars   

My children were excited to try out the ReCon Rover. We have found no flaws with it. It works as advertised. My sons only complaint is that it is slow. The kids enjoy taking turns programming it to move around the house. My son is 14 and was able to work the ReCon Rover on his own. My only issues it that the neatest has worn off and I have not seen my children use the toy again.

34 of 41 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Smart Lab ReCon 6.0 Rover August 21, 2011

By Niebs

Amazon Verified Purchase

Durability: 2.0 out of 5 stars    Educational: 3.0 out of 5 stars    Fun: 2.0 out of 5 stars   

I really wanted to like this product. It seems to be riddled with bugs. If you don't remember to power it down with the switch underneath the robot it will eat through batteries in less than a day. Took me 2 sets of batteries to figure that out. Our 9 year old son still doesn't have the habit. The screen also blanks out randomly while programming. I don't think the one I received is defective I just think it has some bugs. Too bad because it's really cool looking and my son was excited to received it as a gift. Maybe they will fix the bugs with version 7.0 but right now I would not recommend this product to anyone. Ours just sits on a shelf.