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I was thinking, when everyone is talking about smart hardware, perhaps the once popular 3B advertising principles: beauties, beasts, and babies are still applicable. During this year’s CES, we led everyone to take stock of smart hardware products related to women. Next, the founder of the company was invited to report on the London Toy Fair held on January 24 and the American International Toy Fair on February 13. The British Toy Fair is one of the largest toy fairs in Europe, leading the “trend indicator” of the toy industry almost every year. The American International Toy Fair is also an annual event, serving as a “future index” manufacturing platform for the global toy industry.
These two major exhibitions indeed refreshed our previous concepts of toys. While we were viewing the exhibitions, we couldn’t help but sigh that while Industry 4.0 is about to arrive, Toy 4.0 seems to be coming even faster.
When you think of toys, what comes to mind first? LEGO? Disney? Barbie? Rubik’s Cube? Children of different eras have their own toy memories. When I was a child, the trendiest toys were tin jumping frogs and plastic weebles. Nowadays, the hottest toys are smart toys.Let me take you to truly scan the era of intelligent toys.
In addition to well-known smartwatches like Apple Watch, Android Wear, and Pebble, Omate has been producing adult smartwatches. Recently, they announced the launch of the children’s smartwatch Wherecom K3, targeting children aged 6 to 10. It offers weather updates, games, a pedometer, alarm clock, music playback, time display, and also features an SOS button and built-in GPS. The Omate Wherecom K3 runs on the Android 5.1 system, has a built-in 3G modem and Wi-Fi, and can operate independently without a smartphone. It has a 1.54-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 320 x 320, powered by an MT6572M dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB ROM, and a 600mAh lithium battery; it includes a microphone and speaker, and can function as a mobile phone once a SIM card is inserted. Although it is a children’s smartwatch, Omate also provides management software for parents on iOS and Android, allowing them to monitor their children at any time. The Omate Wherecom K3 will be available in April, priced at $129.
The Smartbe Stroller: A Smart Toy for Moms
Electric vehicles have yet to become mainstream, but our next generation can ride their own electric vehicle every day. A startup in New York has recently developed the Smartbe electric smart stroller, which has a built-in electric motor that allows it to move automatically without manual pushing, even up hills.
The Smartbe stroller’s hands-free design allows it to automatically stay near parents. However, users need not worry about the stroller getting lost, as built-in sensors ensure it stays within arm’s reach of the parents. When parents stop, the Smartbe will also stop automatically. Additionally, the Smartbe has a safety line that, when pulled, will completely stop the stroller. The team behind Smartbe claims that this electric smart stroller meets safety regulations in Europe and America.
In addition to automatic movement, the Smartbe’s motor also has an assist mode, making it easier for parents to push the stroller, similar to the assist power system found in many electric bicycles. The Smartbe is controlled via a mobile app and includes features such as a rocking chair, temperature control, a bottle warmer, a wireless speaker, and anti-theft functions, and can be used with a baby monitoring webcam. The full version with all features is priced at $3199.
The Intelligent Robot Robi by Takahashi Tomohiro
How could Robi ever go out of style? This talking robot stands about 30 cm tall and weighs about 1 kg, equipped with over 20 motors and numerous sensors. Robi can dance, play soccer, control the TV, and even help its owner clean the floor.
Robi was developed jointly by the University of Tokyo and Toyota, resembling “Astro Boy” and features facial recognition, with its eyes changing color based on emotional changes, and can engage in simple conversations through voice recognition. In January 2013, it passed tests in a weightless environment and was taken to space in August 2013 to accompany astronauts. Takahashi Tomohiro’s original concept for the robot is to be “a good friend of living humans,” capable of establishing a close connection with humans. If you could find a companion that can communicate and keep you company, would you buy one?
The Electric Go-Kart Arrow
A newly established tech company in Silicon Valley, Actev Motors, has designed a small electric go-kart called Arrow for children aged 5 to 9. Although it is a children’s version, the frame, steering system, and shell components are not much different from regular four-stroke small go-karts.
The Arrow is equipped with two 250W drive motors on the rear axle, capable of carrying 33 kg at a speed of 19 km/h, easily accommodating a chubby child. It has a built-in 2000mAH lithium battery, enough to keep the Arrow running for 60 minutes. If you need a larger battery capacity, a free battery expansion kit is available to double the capacity.
Under the Arrow’s seat, there are speakers, a Wi-Fi module, and driving indicators. Parents can control the go-kart’s speed and gear via Wi-Fi using their mobile phones and can limit the vehicle’s driving range through the built-in GPS system, ensuring that children drive within the parents’ line of sight. Given that this go-kart is designed for children, Actev Motors has also ensured safety by including an automatic collision avoidance system that will brake when it detects an obstacle ahead.
The official website is already accepting pre-orders, with a price of $600.
This toy connects to a tablet and teaches you how to program using Arduino through video games. The price is $150.
Sky Viper m200 Nano Drone
Skyrocket’s drone elevates your drone flying experience to a whole new level. It has four infrared lights that allow you to create your own flight path. You can even compete with your friends to see who the best pilot is. Even more astonishing is that the price is only $100.
