UBTECH and Marvel Team Up to Give You the Super Hero Powers of Iron Man: Introducing the Iron Man MK50 Robot

Walking, talking Iron Man robot and augmented reality experience bring Tony Stark to life, allowing you to create, control, code, and battle in Iron Man’s world

LOS ANGELES – April 1, 2019 – The awesome power of Iron Man’s armor is now in your hands with the Iron Man MK50 Robot, the first-ever humanoid robot inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Built by UBTECH Robotics, a global leader in intelligent humanoid robotics and AI technologies, and officially licensed by Marvel Entertainment, the Iron Man MK50 Robot combines advanced robotics with augmented reality to give you a superhero experience worthy of Tony Stark himself.

The Iron Man MK50 Robot is your portal into the events after Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War and leading up to Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame, hitting theaters worldwide on April 26th. Get in on the action through your Iron Man MK50 robot’s ability to control its movements, lights, and sounds using a mobile device; complete augmented reality missions; customize the robot’s face with your own; and code original, custom action sequences to personalize your own robot.

“UBTECH is thrilled to collaborate with Marvel to bring the excitement around the Marvel Cinematic Universe to life in the real world with the Iron Man MK50 Robot,” said John Rhee, senior vice president and general manager, UBTECH North America. “The Iron Man MK50 Robot provides an immersive, entertaining, and customizable experience that both casual and hardcore fans alike will find fun and familiar.”

Features of the Iron Man MK50 Robot include:

  • A dynamic augmented reality (AR) experience through a free companion app for iOS and Android that lets you play as Tony Stark and suit up in the iconic MK50 armor to practice your battle skills. Build your arsenal of nanotech weaponry, then battle against enemy drones inspired by Iron Man’s iconic villains, like the Chitauri and Ebony Maw.
  • “I am Iron Man!” Use your mobile device to upload your own photo and custom audio to your Iron Man MK50 Robot’s face display. Friends (and enemies) will be blown away when the retractable faceplate opens to reveal you as the hero underneath Iron Man’s armor.
  • Mobile Command Protocol puts you in control of the Iron Man MK50 Robot’s motors, lights, and sound, with the ability to select specific phrases from a recognizable Tony Stark voice.
  • Iron Guard Protocol offers custom patrol capabilities, utilizing cutting edge light sensor technology to detect enemy invaders and respond with audio and light reactions.
  • Custom Protocol allows you to build one-of-a-kind moves for the Iron Man MK50 Robot using block-based programming. The visual drag-and-drop programming editor lets you create simple, custom Iron Man scripts without requiring any programming knowledge while giving you the full Super Hero power of Iron Man’s MK50 technology.

Social Media:

Twitter: @UBTECHRobotics

Instagram: @ubtechrobotics

Facebook: facebook.com/ubtechroboticscorp

About UBTECH Robotics:

Established to provide cutting-edge technical solutions, UBTECH Robotics is a highly innovative software house, systems integrator and technology provider. The company is best known globally as the industry leader in humanoid robotics, such as Walker, Alpha 1S, Lynx, and Cruzr, as well as its award-winning JIMU Robot line of robots designed to support STEM education in a fun, hands-on way. With its world-class robots that are interactive and enjoyable for the entire family, UBTECH Robotics allows you step away from traditional play and into a world where robots are our friends. For additional information about the company, follow UBTECH Robotics on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and at www.ubtrobot.com.

About Marvel Entertainment:

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media. For more information visit marvel.com. © 2019 MARVEL


Picoh – The Programmable Assistant

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ohbot2/picoh-an-expressive-little-robot-head

In an ever-advancing digital world people are understanding less of the tech they use – Picoh was built to change that. We interact with robots at checkouts, speak to AIs on our phones and have our news feeds and adverts dictated by algorithms. To truly flourish in this digital age as many people as possible need to be able to understand, program and interact with machines – but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start.

Picoh is the new robot head from the makers of the award winning Ohbot. It has three motors and can display a range of emotions on its LED matrix face. You can program Picoh to talk, move and show expression using our block-based app or using our open-source Python Library.

Alongside speech and movement, we have also included tools to help you create your own personal assistant. Picoh can listen, react to certain words and phrases and read other inputs such as a webcam or sensors.

At Ohbot, education is at the heart of what we do. Out of the box Picoh doesn’t do anything – all of its features need to be unlocked. Picoh is a platform for exploring robotics coding and AI which can be as simple or as complex as you like.

Dan Warner, co-founder of Ohbot says: “We have developed simple software that allows everyone to control their Picoh, give them opinions and show personality. When I ask my Picoh what’s the best football team in the world it smiles and says Forest Green Rovers – the team that’s local to where we make our robots in Stroud, UK. This is all done with simple block programming that’s used to get Picoh to speak and move when it hears a particular word or phrase”.

Mat Walker of Ohbot continues: “We’ve been having a lot of fun with Picoh getting it to lip synch to singing and responding to what we say to it in unexpected ways. Picoh is really expressive with a moving mouth and customizable eye shapes. We’ve been developing robots for children for the past 4 years and we’ve learned so much in that time – Picoh is our chance to share what we’ve learned with everyone.”

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ohbot2/picoh-an-expressive-little-robot-head

Say Hello to Armz, Gearbugs Corps.’s Latest Smart Toy Invention


NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF. (PRWEB) FEBRUARY 27, 2019
Gearbugs Corp. just announced that they are raising funds via Kickstarter to finish the development and production of Armz, a smart toy that can be customized to play various types of game modes. The company set out to raise $10,000 on Kickstarter to finish development and produce the first batch of their latest smart toy invention.

Armz is a new, smart toy that is designed to be highly customizable. The heart and soul of Armz is the Smart Core™ which contains the motors and mechanisms that allow it to move, speak, and light up. In addition to the Smart Core™, Armz also comes with five different arm attachments that can transform the core into a personalized toy.

Gearbugs Corp has also developed an app that will be available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. By syncing the app to the Armz via bluetooth, players will be able to access multiple game modes that match one of the five attachments. The current lineup of game modes include the following: Remote Control Racing, Steering Wheel Racing, Sumo Wrestling, and Tank Battle.

While the gaming feature is one of the main features of Armz, it also meant to be much more than just a simple toy. When Armz is not out on the field for matches, it can be placed on its charging dock to serve as a mood lamp or night light. Users can also customize the voice of Armz with their own recording and program it to act as a virtual home assistant. Finally, a blockchain coding mode is also available to act as an educational tool to teach basic coding.

With all of the available features, Armz users are able to put their imagination to the test by referring to the blueprint on the application and creating their own side attachments via 3D printing technology. As users get more accustomed to Armz’s capabilities over time, people may find that there are certain attachments that are not yet available that may enhance the performance of Armz.

Armz is now available on Kickstarter with exclusive early bird prices starting at $95 (40% off retail value). After the campaign, Gearbugs Corps. anticipates manufacturing and delivery to be fulfilled by the end of August 2019. Any influencers or journalists interested in receiving a sample and reviewing Armz are encouraged to submit an inquiry through its Kickstarter page.

VTech® Makes Debut in Robotics Toy Category with Myla the Magical Unicorn™

New Interactive Toy Features Enchanting Play Experience, Letting Kids Customize Myla with a Magical Color Palette

NEW YORK, February 14, 2019 — Today VTech® announces the introduction of Myla the Magical Unicorn™, a colorful robotic unicorn toy that glitters with lights as she talks and sings, while introducing early concepts of color combination in a fun way. Marking VTech’s entry into the robotics toy category and remaining on-trend with the continuing popularity of unicorns, this majestic interactive friend encourages kids to use the magic brush to choose a color from the butterfly palette and magically apply the color to her eyes, wings and horn. Myla the Magical Unicorn is on display at the 2019 North American International Toy Fair®.

“We’re so excited to make our debut in the robotics toy category with such an innovative product,” said Andy Keimach, President, VTech Electronics North America. “Myla will be a must-have toy. Myla’s interactive features and her amazing accessories make her more than a toy, she’s a fun friend!”

To customize Myla, simply touch her magic brush to the butterfly palette to choose a color. Then touch the magic brush to her eyes, wings and horn to decorate Myla in a variety of colors and even practice color combinations. Kids can also braid Myla’s mane, brush her tail and complete her look by adding her crown and hair clips. For interactive fun, kids can sing a rocking duet with Myla and her microphone. When it’s time to go solo, pull the microphone away and Myla will stop singing but continue to play music.

Myla the Magical Unicorn is recommended for ages 4+ years and will be available in May exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide and on Walmart.com, with expanded national retail availability this Fall.#

About VTech®

VTech is a world leader in age-appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children. As a pioneer in the learning toy category, VTech develops high-quality, innovative educational products that enrich children’s development and make learning fun. With a rich 40 year history, VTech has not only established itself as a learning authority but also consistently remains at the forefront of innovation with multiple award-winning products, including prestigious Toy of the Year (TOTY) Award winners. The company also has a broad range of award-winning infant, toddler and preschool products available in 31 different languages worldwide, with more than 100 new products introduced every year. In order to further strengthen VTech’s position as a learning authority, new products are developed with critical insights from a dedicated team of in-house learning experts.

VTech Electronics North America, L.L.C. is based in Arlington Heights, Illinois. VTech Electronics Limited is headquartered in Hong Kong with distribution globally.

For more information about VTech’s electronic learning products, visit www.VTechKids.comwww.facebook.com/VTechtoys on Facebook or follow @VTechToys on Twitter.

POWERUP Toys Debuts Three New Products at Toy Fair 2019

(New York) February 15, 2019 – POWERUP Toys (Toy Fair Booth #2789), the creator of the first smartphone-controlled paper airplane motor kit, is introducing three new products at Toy Fair 2019 – POWERUP 4.0, POWERUP RACERS, and OKO Multi View.

“As a child, I loved anything that flew, which is something so many children and adults can relate to,” said Shai Goitein, CEO and Founder of POWERUP Toys. “That’s why we at POWERUP are constantly creating new kits that add functionality and versatility to our motors. Also, we are excited about our first product that is outside of the motor kits area and brings the world of AR and the world around us into greater view.”

The POWERUP 4.0 is an ultra-durable propulsion motor that universally adapts to almost any paper airplane design and transforms it into a flying machine. Pilots (Individuals ages 14+) launch, steer, and land their planes using their Bluetooth-connected device and the POWERUP App (available for iOS and Android). The POWERUP 4.0 has two propellers for double the power and more maneuverability, an autopilot-controlled flight feature that makes flying in windy conditions ultra-easy, and new on-board sensors that collect real-time flight performance data. Pilots then analyze this data and tweak the design of their airplanes to optimize the flying experience, making it perfect to use at-home or in the classroom. The POWERUP 4.0 will be available online this fall. MSRP: $59.99

Children ages 8+ can take the road, water, or air by storm with the new POWERUP RACERS Motorized Origami Vehicles. The small, versatile propulsion motor transforms a paper creation into a motorized car, boat, or airplane – all using the same motor. Children fold their own paper car, boat, or airplane out of a sheet of paper, clip on the fully-charged POWERUP RACERS motor, and they are ready to drive, float, or fly their creations. The kit – which comes with a propulsion motor, three folding templates, wheels, and fastening clips – is perfect for home or can be used to teach aerodynamics and physics in the STEM classroom. The POWERUP RACERS will be available online this fall. MSRP: $24.99

With OKO Multi View, the newest multi-use smartphone accessory, children ages 8+ can explore the world around them like never before. Children insert their smartphone into OKO Multi View and wear it like goggles to transform the phone’s camera into an amazing Augmented Reality tool or use it like entry-level binoculars with capture capabilities. The spatial aspherical oculars create a high-quality, full-screen viewing experience to immerse children in AR apps on the fly. When using OKO Multi View as binoculars, children can see beyond what a traditional smartphone camera captures. If they find a scene they love, they can save it forever by taking a picture or video using their device – without removing the device from the goggles. The OKO Multi View will be available online this spring, MSRP: $29.99

To see these products in action, visit POWERUP Toys at Toy Fair 2019 in booth #2789. To see the full line of POWERUP Toys motors and accessories, visit: www.poweruptoys.com.

About POWERUP Toys 
POWERUP Toys lets consumers of all ages expand their sense of play and experimentation by adding power to familiar paper airplanes. POWERUP Toys brings homemade paper airplanes into the future by adding next generation mobile controls, propulsion, and tools to take imagination to new heights.

Screen-free Coding Shines At The 2019 Toy Of The Year (TOTY) Awards- Botley™ The Coding Robot From Learning Resources® Wins Innovative Toy Of The Year

VERNON HILLS, Ill., Feb. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Throughout its 35-year history, Learning Resources® has dedicated itself to developing toys on the forefront of what children need to learn and how they are best inclined to learn it — through play. Now, its efforts to provide the earliest possible screen-free coding experiences to kids have earned the educational toy company its first ever Toy of the Year (TOTY) Award. The award for Innovative Toy of the Year was given last night to Botley™ the Coding Robot at the annual awards gala presented by the Toy Association.  Botley engages children and sparks curiosity about coding in a fun, friendly, hands-on way, all without the use of a screen.

In 2018, Botley helped define a new category of screen-free coding toys. Last night’s TOTY tops a list of more than 13 accolades and awards for the screen-free coding robot including „Best of CES“ by Reuters and „Best Toy of the Year 2018“ by Parents magazine. Children as young as five can learn to code with Botley, detecting objects, programming if/then logic, following looping commands and taking on obstacle courses.

„Our company is proud to engage future coders, engineers and scientists, and we are thrilled to receive the Innovative Toy of the Year TOTY Award for Botley the Coding Robot,“ said Learning Resources CEO, Rick Woldenberg. „This recognition honors our commitment to inspiring a love of learning in all children.“

With other category finalists including Harry Potter™ Wizard Training™ from JAKKS Pacific, the K’NEX Thrill Rides Bionic Blast™ Roller Coaster Building Set, Wow! Stuff’s Mystery Flying Snitch and Thames & Kosmos’s Sensors Alive: Bring Physics to Life!, the coveted industry nod was given specifically to the 77-piece Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set, which allows kids to start coding with Botley right out of the box in addition to building obstacle courses, mazes and more.

Following Botley’s success, Learning Resources‘ new Coding Critters, already the winner of Parents magazine’s 2019 „Best of CES“ award, continues the company’s mission of introducing screen-free coding, now to preschoolers as young as four, through storybook coding adventures with adorable interactive pets. Both products will be on display at the 2019 New York International Toy Fair through February 19 in the Learning Resources Booth (#403). Also be sure to check out Learning Resources‘ Director of Product Development, Tom Runtz, on the STEM/STEAM Toy Panel with other leading industry experts Sunday, February 17 in Level 1, Hall 1E, room 1E09.

Learn more at www.LearningResources.com. Get social with @LearningResources on Facebook and Instagram and on Twitter @LearningsHandsOn. #CODING #STEM.

About Learning Resources:
We’re the toy cash registers that help kids learn to count. We’re the alphabet puzzle blocks that inspire a love of reading. We’re the coding mouse that schools use to prepare students for tomorrow. We are Learning Resources®—and our mission is to help kids love to learn. For over 30 years we’ve been the leader in educational toys, with more than 1,000 items sold in over 80 countries. Our toys are designed to help children build educational skills… and get ready to take on the world. For more information, visit www.learningresources.com, or follow the brand on Twitter @LearningHandsOn, Facebook @LearningResources and Instagram @learningresources.

Maker Faire Ruhr in der DASA – Vampirjäger und zeitreisende Beamte

Wenn Wundersames aus 3D-Druckern kommt und das Jahrhundert von gestern in die Welt von morgen einlädt, ist wieder Maker Faire Ruhr. Phantastisches, Verrücktes und Digitales sind die Zutaten für ein Festival der Extra-Klasse. Die DASA Arbeitswelt Ausstellung präsentiert am 23. und 24. März in ihren dafür wie gemachten Hallen, was Zeitgenossen in der Garage, im Hobbyraum oder im Wohnzimmer alles zustande bringen.

Das weltbekannte Tüftel-Festival hat das Ruhrgebiet mittlerweile fest im Griff. Ob aus Bochum, Essen oder Schwerte – die Region ist ein Tummelplatz für schräge Ideen. DIY-Blog- ger, Experten für optische Täuschungen, Amateurfunker oder OpenSource Programmierer: Der Rohstoff nach Ende des Bergbaus sind reichlich findige Ideen. Wer mag, trifft auf eine Steampunk-Spezialistin aus Witten, auf das neue FabLab aus Hamm oder auf Größen der Szene wie Upcycling-Spezi Thomas Zigan von Tanz auf Ruinen oder die Dortmunder Platzhir- sche „Urbanisten“.

Neben jeder Menge Lokalcolorit gibt es beliebte und bekannte Attraktionen wie die nieder- ländischen Maschinen-Umbauer „Abacus Theater“ mit Gefährten, die jedes Foto bereichern, den Fotobus „Cliff McLaine“ für ein Erste-Sahne-Selfie oder den Dampfzirkus Papenburg mit Fahrzeugen, die bei der Vampirjagd hilfreich sein können. Nicht fehlen dürfen weder zeitrei- sende Beamte noch Maskottchen Makey.

Zum 500. Todestag von Universalgelehrten Leonardo da Vinci hat sich Zirkus Meer eine besondere Würdigung ausgedacht und überrascht die DASA-Gäste mit einer neuen Knobe- lei aus dem Dunstkreis des Genies. Erstmalig am Start sind außerdem die „Maker Girls“ aus Königswinter, die für noch mehr Frauenpower sorgen. Und WDR5-Küchenexperimenteur Sascha Ott sorgt mit verblüffenden Versuchen für jede Menge Action.

Insgesamt laden über 60 Stände zu einer bunten Rund-Tour zwischen IT und Design sowie Produktideen aus Hightech, Kunst und Handwerk ein. Workshops und Vorträge machen die Maker Faire Ruhr in der DASA zu einem gelungenen Erlebnis für Entdeckungsreisende.

Die Maker Faires präsentieren „Do it yourself“ Projekte aus aller Welt. Ziel ist es, die Idee des Selbermachens zu stärken, eigenen Technik ideen freien Lauf zu lassen und offene Au- gen zu haben für eine neue Verwendung von gebrauchten Gegenständen.

An beiden Tagen ist die „Maker Faire“ in der DASA von 10 bis 18 Uhr geöffnet. Der Eintritt beträgt 8 Euro, die Familienkarte kostet 16 EUR.

www.makerfaire-ruhr.com

„toi+“: klein, aber oho!

Ravensburger präsentiert auf der Internationalen Spielwarenmesse 2019 „toi+“, eine Spielzeugkonsole, mit der das Spielerlebnis mit einem Spielzeug in der Hand verläuft, nicht auf dem Bildschirm. Herzstück ist der handtellergroße Core, der in toi+ Produkte eingesetzt wird. Er beinhaltet verschiedene Sensoren, eine Vibrationsfunktion, Prozessor, Lautsprecher mit mehrspuriger Soundausgabe,Bluetooth-Schnittstelle und einen wiederaufladbaren Akku. Der Core füllt ein Bewegungsspiel, ein Party-Spielzeug und einen Logiktrainer mit immersiver Technik, die Kinder ins Spielgeschehen eintauchen lässt. Die Spieler umgibt eine Welt aus stimmungsvoller Musik und Geräuschen. toi+ registriert jede Bewegung, jeden Positionswechsel, jede Handlung und Eingabe des aktiven Spielers. So gestaltet er den Spielverlauf durch intuitive Eingaben und Bewegungen aktiv mit. Folgende Produkte kommen voraussichtlich ab Herbst 2019:

toi+: The Core 
Er ist das Herzstück der Reihe. Sobald er in eines der toi+ Produkte eingesetzt wird, entfaltet er seine Fähigkeiten. Der Core erkennt etwa jede Form von Bewegung, Beschleunigung oder Lageveränderung und reagiert mit Sound sowie Vibration auf die Aktionen der Spieler.  toi+ Produkte funktionieren nur mit eingesetztem Core. ((UVP) 69,99 Euro)

toi+: Magic Compass
Der Kompass versetzt Kinder ab sechs Jahren in ein aktionsreiches Abenteuer im südamerikanischen Dschungel. Reihum bewegen sich die Spieler mit dem Kompass in Händen durch ein imaginäres Labyrinth. Doch Hindernisse blockieren den Weg: Sie müssen über Krabbeltiere hüpfen, Fledermäuse mit dem Kompass abwehren, ihn aus einem Spinnennetz befreien. Wo sind Wände und wo versteckte Türen? Erreichen die Abenteurer mit den richtigen Aktionen ihr Ziel? ((UVP 49,99 Euro)


toi+: Brain Board
Das Brain Board lädt Spieler ab acht Jahren zum Mentaltraining ein. Ambitionierte Denker finden darauf fünf Logik- und Gedächtnisspiele, die als haptische Karten mit szenischen wie abstrakten Illustrationen aufliegen. Die verschiedenen Sensoren von toi+ reagieren auf die Bewegungen des Spielers. So löst er die Denk-Rätsel durch gezieltes Kippen des Brain Boards. Der Trainingsmodus bietet mehr als 2.000 Aufgaben in drei Schwierigkeitsstufen zum Üben sowie verschiedene Gedächtnistests. ((UVP 49,99 Euro)

toi+: Furious Falko
Mit dem Core in sich erwacht „Furious Falko“ zum Leben. Mit seinen verrückten Ideen animiert er Kinder ab sechs Jahren zu Spaß und Bewegung, z.B. Luftgitarre mit ihm spielen, ihn Karussell oder Rennauto fahren lassen. Fingerspitzengefühl und geschickte Bewegungen sind gefragt, denn Falko registriert alles und reagiert mit frechem Kommentar. Der Geier hat Party-Actionspiele, Quizfragen und musikalische wie sportliche Herausforderungen im Repertoire. Das hält bis zu acht Kinder bei Laune – auch an Kindergeburtstagen. 
((UVP 49,99 Euro)

“toi+”: small, but smart!

At the International Toy Fair 2019, Ravensburger presents “toi+”, a toy console where the playing experience takes place using a toy in your hand, and not on a screen. Key component is the palm-sized Core, which is inserted in toi+ products. It contains various sensors, a vibration function, processor, loudspeaker with multi-track audio output, Bluetooth interface and a rechargeable battery. The Core brings immersive technology to a movement game, party toy and logic trainer. Elementary school age childrenare immersed in a world with atmospheric music and sounds. toi+ registers every movement, change in position, action and entry of the currently active player. As a result,children shape the game progress actively through intuitive entries and movements. Following products are expected to be launched in autumn 2019:

toi+: The Core
It is the key component of the series. As soon as it is inserted in one of the toi+ products, its functions are activated. The core recognizes any type of movement, acceleration or change in position and reacts with sound and vibration to the actions of the players. toi+ products only function with inserted Core. (EUR 69.99 (RRP))

toi+: Magic Compass
The compass sends children ages six years and up on an action-packed adventure in the jungle. Players move in turn through an imaginary labyrinth holding the compass. But obstacles block the path: they have to hop over insects, protect themselves against bats with the compass and free it from a spider’s web. Where are walls and hidden doors? Do the adventurers reach their destination with the right actions? (EUR 49.99 (RRP))

toi+: Brain Board
It invites players ages eight years and up to mental training. There are five logic and memory games, which are available as haptic cards with scenic or abstract illustrations. The various toi+ sensors react to the movements of the player. Logic challenges are solved by a specific tipping of the Brain Board. The training mode offers more than 2,000 tasks in three levels of difficulty for practicing and memory tests. (EUR 49.99 (RRP))

toi+: Furious Falko
With the core inserted, “Furious Falko” comes alive. With his crazy ideas, he motivates children of elementary school age to have fun and be active, e.g. playing air guitar with him, letting him ride a carousel or racecar. Instinct and skilled movements are in demand, because Falko registers everything and reacts with cheeky comments. The vulture has party action games, quiz questions and musical and sportive challenges in store. Appropriate for up to eight children – even on children’s birthday parties. (EUR 49.99 (RRP))