The humanoids are here

For those who are convinced that the U.S. leads the way in technological innovation (the Japanese not withstanding), competition has arrived from a surprising source--North of the Border. WowWee Ltd., Quebec, Canada (with an assist from their factory in Hong Kong) has produced the first affordable entertainment humanoid.

Say hello to Robosapien ($99), a feisty, moody, and personality-filled creature who walks, dances, and grooves; picks up and throws objects; and delivers karate chops. He is the perfect fusion of technology and personality. Applied biomorphic robotics give him the ability to move and act in humanoid ways. Moreover, when Robosapien communicates, you will know exactly what he is feeling.

He follows simple and complex commands that can be combined using four different program modes. In fact, program him to complete a sequence of up to 84 steps (or three demonstration routines). In addition, his advanced interactive reflex system allows Robosapien to respond to touch, sound, and obstacles in his path.

This marvel runs on D cells for over six hours, with an auto-shutoff after two.

If only we could do so much....

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COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group