Did you know that one in five jobs are stem? According to the U. S. Department of Commerce, occupations in STEM are growing at 17%, while other occupations are growing at 9.8%.
During National Robotics Weeks (#RoboWeek) (April 6th to the 14th) it’s fitting to introduce you to a company called HEXBUG (if you haven’t heard already).
Since I have covered some awesome toy reviews – I thought it would be great to have a feature on HEXBUG and I’ve got three terrific STEM-based products to share!
HEXBUG: Toy Company & Global Tech leader
HEXBUG is a global leader in the technology, robotics, and STEM education industries. Their products spark imaginations by providing children with a positive experience with robotics toys at a young age.
HEXBUG: Beetle
Our Review:
The hi-tech HEXBUG Beetle will indeed as advertised travel in a straight line until it hits an object in its path or hears a loud noise.
Upon contact or noise, the bug reverses in a half circle, then moves forward again in a new direction the kids loved how it reacted like an actual bug.
This fun little micro robotic creature crawls around sensing objects in its path and avoids them using its bump sensor feelers.
With the clap of your hands, you can make the Beetle change direction to avoid danger.
These unique design elements got the kids asking about how robots are designed, based on the jobs they are tasked to perform, the science needed to develop this toy and what other animals robots can be based upon!
Robotics: decades fastest growing industry
According to Loup Ventures research, the industrial robotics market is expected to grow by 175% over the next decade.
HEXBUG: Spider
The HEXBUG Spider is an electro mechanical marvel to watch and operate.
As you control this bug, you see the complexity of its internal mechanisms. Features 360-degree steering, and LED forward eye, and two-channel infrared remote control.
The remote allows you to operate multiple bugs independently or at the same time. This bug is filled with robotic intelligence and protected by a hard, transparent exoskeleton casing.
HEXBUG Spider is compliant with CPSIA standards. Ages 8+.
features & details
- 2-channel IR remote control
- 360-degree rotating head
- Crawls in any direction
- Fits in your hand
- Batteries included
Our Review:
The HEXBUG Spider is fun to watch and operate! The transparent exoskeleton allows you to see the complexity of its internal mechanisms in real time as it scurries along.
The IR remote is robust and operates a good distance away but you must be in line-of-sight.
Features 360-degree steering, and LED forward eye, and two-channel infrared remote control.
The remote allows you to operate multiple bugs independently or at the same time.
This bug is protected by a hard, transparent exoskeleton and though it’s technically not built for combat, the casing stood up to unscheduled bouts with the Battlebots in the arena!
HEXBUG: Battlebots Arena
Modeled after television’s favorite metallic war-zone comes HEXBUG BattleBots Arena.
Watch action-packed matches unfold inside this arena, a perfect place to put a collection of the world’s most destructive machines against one another!
Batteries Included. Two LR44’s included in each remote. Ages 8 and up.
HEXBUG BattleBots Arena is compliant with CPSIA standards.
features & details
- Two push activated pulverizing hammers
- Battle-worn detachable robot pieces
- BattleBots I/R Witch Doctor included
- BattleBots I/R Tombstone included
- Realistic protective walls
- Fold-out game board
- Batteries Included
- Ages 8 and up
Our Review:
Witch Doctor & Tombstone who come with the set have remote controls that boast a decent range and a small learning curve to maneuver but once you get the hang of the controls, (made for people with smaller digits than mine!) they are responsive and fun to operate!
The bots themselves are easily assembled and snap on panels that are “damaged” during bouts are simple to reassemble, the game board side panels do a good job keeping the action between the durable little bots contained. However, the robots won’t mar, table surfaces. We played on our antique maple living room table (to my wife’s chagrin) and it wasn’t any worse for wear if they skidded off the approximately 2X2 foot game board. The battery life is robust and the kids were thoroughly pleased with Battlebots Arena!
SPREADING AWARENESS
Technology plays such a crucial role in our day to day lives, so it’s natural to have National Robotics Week to celebrate and continue to encourage the development of robotics technology.
We all know the importance of Science & Math education for our children to compete on a global scale.
STEM-based toys pique young kids interests in robotics and engineering and gets them asking questions.
These toys from HEXBUG are the perfect introduction!
Look for a follow-up feature article for unboxing videos coming soon!
Learn more about what HEXBUG has to offer at their website https://www.hexbug.com