New Robotic Toy Features
Interactive Online Experience Dedicated to Science & Discovery
Innovation First
International, a global leader in educational and competitive robotics products
and consumer robotics toys, recently the HEXBUG Nano – a tiny, 1.75 inch
energetic micro robotic bug that uses the physics of vibration and robotic
intelligence to skitter along and explore its environment on smooth surfaces.
Planned as a series for
collectors, the first release is the Nano Newton Collection of five unique bugs
for kids 3 years old and up, and is now available at
Amazon, Toys“R”Us
stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com, RadioShack and online at
www.hexbug.com/nano.
Also available is the
HEXBUG Nano Habitat Set,
which allows users to configure customizable mazes for the industrious
creatures.
HEXBUG Nano fanatics
interested in the lore of science and discovery can visit www.handandstars.com
to earn points by answering science quiz questions, register their collection
using the unique serial numbers included inside each test tube style package,
and achieve global status and prestige in an online game that requires players
to use scientific principles to build their own virtual Nano.
“HEXBUG Nano fascinates
children and adults alike with its lifelike behavior while it exposes them to
concepts such as cause-and-effect, momentum, center of gravity and randomness,”
said Joel Carter, vice president, marketing, Innovation First International.
“The Nano is also the first generation of HEXBUG Micro Robotic Creatures that is
collectible and extends the user experience online with a world that reinforces
the fun and fascination behind science and discovery through a variety of online
challenges and game-play.”
Powered by a tiny motor and
12 fixed, angular legs, the industrious insect switches direction upon coming
into contact with an object in its path, and possesses an uncanny sense of
balance, flipping to its feet when turned on its back. Continuing to pay homage
to its scientific heritage, the HEXBUG Nano family will include five unique
collections, each named after an accomplished scientist. Each collection will
include five distinct series, representing key scientific discoveries realized
during the time period of its collection. For example, the Newton Collection,
available today, includes Gravity, Orbit, Motion, Calculus and Refraction as its
five series. Each Series includes five individual bugs, some of which are
common while others are very rare, so collectors will need to be on the lookout
for certain high point value creatures. There are also extremely rare bugs
known as Mutations, which will appear from time to time. Additional collections
and series will be unveiled in 2010.
HEXBUG Micro Robotic
Creatures meet 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.
About Innovation First
International
Innovation First
International, 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,
competition, education and toy 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. In 2007, the company
launched www.RobotEvents.com,
an online portal dedicated to the advancement of educational and competitive
robotics, which provides comprehensive information on the latest robotics
competitions, educational workshops and information for teachers and mentors. .
The company also created the VEX Robotics Competition in 2007, designed to give
a diverse group of students the chance to celebrate their accomplishments and
share their passion for robotics with each other. 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. In
2009 the company added offices in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom to better
serve the global marketplace. With an advanced in-house metal fabrication
plant, distribution center, and corporate office 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.
