You’re robot has arrived

Parents wanting to give their children a head start with robots should consider a new toy from True Corp – the Robotis Mini.
The humanoid robot stands 27 centimetres tall and weighs 660 grams.
It’s one of True’s IoT (Internet of Things) products and is best for children 12 years old and up, since it requires assembly.
Not to worry, a PR official at True assured me. Kids that young can build this thing. If they know how to put Lego bricks together, they can assemble the Robotis Mini. 
Okay, maybe they’ll need a little help from their parental units (just try and keep Dad away, kids). But it comes with a manual that shows where all the parts go.
Inside this personal C3PO is an OpenCM9.04 mainboard with a 32-bit micro-controller and an ARM Cortex M3 processor. Keeping the movements fluid are 16 XL320 motors driven by a 7.4-volt 1,000mAh rechargeable battery.

There are several ports where you can plug in more sensors when you’re ready to expand its capabilities.
You have a USB port for connecting to a computer so you can load software into the robot. The controlling software was developed based on the Roboplus operating system.
A builtin Bluetooth connection lets you control its movement with a mobile phone – with a phone you can also bark orders at it – but you’ll also be selecting setting so it moves around on its own. Kids will be able to use an app easily enough to choreograph some dances for the machine.
I’m still fuming about not being able to play with a Robotis Mini myself, but I’ve witnessed a demonstration and thought its moves were pretty smooth for a tin can. 
The dancing wouldn’t have given Michael Jackson anything to worry about, but it does do that arm-raising bit like in “Saturday Night Fever”.
True says only a limited number of Robotis Minis are available and only at some True shops. Head to CentralWorld, EmQuartier, Mega Bang Na or the True Branding Shop at Siam Paragon with Bt23,540 in your pocket.

KEY SPECS

- Operating system: Roboplus
- Board: OpenCM9.04, 32-bit micro-controller
- CPU: ARM Cortex M3
- Ports: USB, expansion sensors
- Motors: 16 XL320 motors
- Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth
- Battery: 7.4V 1,000mAh rechargeable
- Height: 27cm
- Weight: 660g