WOWWEE Next year, WowWee will introduce new robotic and high-tech playthings for techloving kids. CHiP is an artificially intelligent dog that offers physical, digital, and tactile play. He recognizes his master, responds to commands, and even knows to go to his dog bed and recharge when the lights are out. With Emojibot, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education come together to turn simple texting into robotic commands. Kids can program their very own Emojibot, and then observe the surprising reactions that are triggered via robotic emojis. EmoEmojibot jibot features an LCD screen, more than 10,000 animations, and different language options. The newest addition to WowWee’s Robotic Enhanced Vehicles (REV) line, the REV Omnicycle + Turret features a full range of motion capabilities, as well as a stationary oscillating weapon that tracks enemy vehicles and delivers attacks. The Omnicycle comes equipped with futuristic designs, games, and the option of fighting an artificially intelligent (AI) enemy or a human opponent.
PLAYMOBIL Playmobil’s Large City Zoo play set will debut next year. The set lets kids explore animal species from around the world and features a rocky arch entrance topped with decorative animal cutouts and a colorful zoo sign. The penguin habitat features both adult and baby penguins, and the lion enclosure houses two adult lions and one lion cub. There is also a souvenir shop, which sells a stuffed animal and a penguin balloon. The set includes seven figures, two adult and four baby penguins, a peacock, a wheelbarrow with meat, and other accessories. The Adventure Tree House play set features a house with a grass platform. It is located in the heart of a forest and is surrounded by different kinds of wildlife. It includes two adventurer figures, a mother bear and her cub, a fox, a bald eagle, an owl, and more. Kids can use the pulley sysLarge City Zoo tem to lift heavier supplies up to the house, and at the end of the day, they can pull up the stairs to keep wild visitors out. Both sets are recommended for kids ages 4 to 10.
52 • THE TOY BOOK
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015