Hexbug
Encyclopedia
‘’Hexbug’’ is a brand of toy robot
developed and distributed by Innovation First, Inc. Hexbug was inspired by BEAM robotics
, and uses many elements of it. Originally released in the US through Radio Shack
, it is now sold in most major retail stores. The original was based on 6-legged arthropods, but now comes in several different varieties. The name ‘’’Hexbug’’’, however, has more to do with the shape of the packaging it is sold in than the number of legs it has.
rather than color and sight. There are five different hexbugs and all are different shapes.
of a spinning leg on the underside of the robot. It is available in two bands, allowing two people to play at the same time without radio interference.
. It will move around until it finds a dark place, then stops. It will also move in reaction to loud noises. Unlike other autonomous Hexbug models, the crab will change direction randomly rather than waiting for an obstacle. It also changes direction in reaction to loud sounds.
than other Hexbugs.
. It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including a series of glow-in-the-dark
toys. The Nano is shaped similarly to a microchip
, with 12 pin-like legs on both sides, and about 1 inch long. It moves by way of an offset motor, which causes it to vibrate up and down. The shape of the body and slightly angled legs help it move forward. Because of its design, it can flip itself over if overturned or placed on its side or back. The Nano is also designed to work best in its habitat play sets and on hard surfaces. It cannot move well on most carpeting. There are also Habitat Sets to let your Hexbug Nano roam around in. Recently innovation first has has came out with glow-in-the-dark
habitat sets.
Robot
A robot is a mechanical or virtual intelligent agent that can perform tasks automatically or with guidance, typically by remote control. In practice a robot is usually an electro-mechanical machine that is guided by computer and electronic programming. Robots can be autonomous, semi-autonomous or...
developed and distributed by Innovation First, Inc. Hexbug was inspired by BEAM robotics
BEAM robotics
The word "beam" in BEAM robotics is an acronym for Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, and Mechanics. This is a term that refers to a style of robotics...
, and uses many elements of it. Originally released in the US through Radio Shack
Radio shack
Radio shack is a slang term for a room or structure for housing radio equipment.-History:In the early days of radio, equipment was experimental and home-built. The first radio transmitters used a noisy spark to generate radio waves and were often housed in a garage or shed. When radio was first...
, it is now sold in most major retail stores. The original was based on 6-legged arthropods, but now comes in several different varieties. The name ‘’’Hexbug’’’, however, has more to do with the shape of the packaging it is sold in than the number of legs it has.
Original Hexbug
This Hexbug is an autonomous toy bug that reacts to loud sounds and pressure on the antennae and scurries around the room. It was the first Hexbug made and is classified by the NATO Phonetic AlphabetNATO phonetic alphabet
The NATO phonetic alphabet, more accurately known as the NATO spelling alphabet and also called the ICAO phonetic or spelling alphabet, the ITU phonetic alphabet, and the international radiotelephony spelling alphabet, is the most widely used spelling alphabet...
rather than color and sight. There are five different hexbugs and all are different shapes.
Inchworm
The Inchworm (pictured) is a remote controlled robot that moves by lifting and placing its body on the ground. It turns by meansof a spinning leg on the underside of the robot. It is available in two bands, allowing two people to play at the same time without radio interference.
Crab
The Crab is designed to avoid bright lights and hide in dark spots by way of a photodetectorPhotodetector
Photosensors or photodetectors are sensors of light or other electromagnetic energy. There are several varieties:*Active pixel sensors are image sensors consisting of an integrated circuit that contains an array of pixel sensors, each pixel containing a both a light sensor and an active amplifier...
. It will move around until it finds a dark place, then stops. It will also move in reaction to loud noises. Unlike other autonomous Hexbug models, the crab will change direction randomly rather than waiting for an obstacle. It also changes direction in reaction to loud sounds.
Ant
Similar in design to the Original, but with wheel-like legs, the ant is built to move much more quickly than other models. It moves in a straight line until it bumps into an obstacle, then reverses direction at high speed. It has contact sensors on both ends. The Ant was designed with high speed in mind, for a different patternPattern
A pattern, from the French patron, is a type of theme of recurring events or objects, sometimes referred to as elements of a set of objects.These elements repeat in a predictable manner...
than other Hexbugs.
Nano
The Nano is aimed more toward collectors, similar to Zhu Zhu PetsZhu Zhu Pets
Zhu Zhu Pets , formerly Go Go Hamsters in the UK, is an American line of plush robotic hamster toys, created by Cepia LLC in 2009. They were a craze during the 2009 Christmas season holidays.-History:...
. It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including a series of glow-in-the-dark
Glow-in-the-dark
Glow-in-the-dark may refer to:*Bioluminescence, the production and emission of light by a living organism*Chemiluminescence, is the emission of light without emission of heat...
toys. The Nano is shaped similarly to a microchip
Microchip
Microchip can also refer to:* Integrated circuit, a set of electronic components on a single unit.* Microchip Technology, a company that makes popular 8, 16 and 32-bit microcontroller lines.* Microchip implant , a microchip implanted into animals....
, with 12 pin-like legs on both sides, and about 1 inch long. It moves by way of an offset motor, which causes it to vibrate up and down. The shape of the body and slightly angled legs help it move forward. Because of its design, it can flip itself over if overturned or placed on its side or back. The Nano is also designed to work best in its habitat play sets and on hard surfaces. It cannot move well on most carpeting. There are also Habitat Sets to let your Hexbug Nano roam around in. Recently innovation first has has came out with glow-in-the-dark
Glow-in-the-dark
Glow-in-the-dark may refer to:*Bioluminescence, the production and emission of light by a living organism*Chemiluminescence, is the emission of light without emission of heat...
habitat sets.