Robosen’s Optimus Prime toy robot transforms from a truck into a robot and responds to voice commands. (Image Credit: Robosen Robotics)
Possibly one of the coolest robot toys out there available for consumers is a version of Optimus Prime, the Transformers Autobot leader. Optimus Prime contains sound effects and transforms from a vehicle to a bipedal robot as it listens to your commanding voice. Its full name is Transformers Optimus Prime Auto-Converting Programmable Advanced Robot Collector’s Edition. The robot can be pre-ordered from the Hasbro Pulse website for $699. Sorry to say… it’s sold out.
Robosen Robotics collaborated with Hasbro to provide consumers with a unique experience in this top-of-the-line collectible. Users need to say “Hey Optimus,” along with a keyword, and its 27 servo motors pop into action, bringing the character to life while responding with Optimus’ voice from both the cartoon and movie series. Even cooler is that it’s voiced by Peter Cullen.
A smartphone app allows users to pilot the robot by either having it walk or drive around in truck mode. Optimus can also be programmed to move in a certain manner, allowing users to control it during combat against his nemesis, Megaton. The app also provides four different programming options that serve as missions for the user, which means that this toy can be used for educational purposes.
Giving Optimus the “Rollout” command makes it transform from robot to truck and drive away. “Look out!” causes it to attack while generating blaster sounds. If the owner wants to be more daring, they could say “Megatron” and watch as his fists furiously shake while promising to bring his enemy to an end. He also wishes the owner a happy birthday and tells them they’re his friend. At 19 inches tall, its chest and arms slightly rise up and down as it stands, waiting for a command.
It comes bundled with 80 sound effects, which includes the converting sounds. Optimus is fitted with two microphones to capture the speaker’s voice and responds to 25 different phrases. Meanwhile, it consists of 5,000 components and 60 microchips that control the servo motors, allowing him to drive, blast, punch, and convert.
Robosen Robotics developed transforming robot toys before, but this is the first one modeled after an official Transformer. In 2020, the model T9 transformed from car to robot and performed some dance moves and pushups. Robosen’s K1 is another fun robot that responds to voice commands and has similar programmability.
This isn't the first time someone made something like this. Check out these vintage element14 post:
A Real Transformer Robot Toy, the inner-child is happy
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TakaraTomy's Transformer Bumblebee goes from car to robot in 10 seconds
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