Artoo Mini-Robot Is A Star Christmas Gift
Should you be looking for a Christmas gift for a Star Wars enthusiast of any age, you might look no further than the Sphero R2-D2 mini-robot.
Standing just nine inches tall, but otherwise a perfect replica of Luke Skywalker’s much loved sidekick droid, this feller is controlled from an iOS or Android phone or tablet using a companion download app.
Mannerisms and movements reproduce those with which any fan of the films will be fondly familiar, particularly when it comes to the trademark waddle.
The real masterstroke of the design, though, is the third leg which deploys by itself to have our mechanical mate manoeuvring with consummate ease on tarmac, tile or carpet.
Once somewhat expensive, at well over a hundred pounds when launched earlier this year, the price has been slashed and online prices have crept below £50.
Draw a path on your screen and Artoo will speed away on the ground, along a course which exactly replicates it.
The options to have him chattering, chirping and flashing his LED lights will be sure to bring a smile of recognition.
His rechargeable battery is specified to last an hour, after which a red flashing light warns that it is about time to plug in the USB charger. To add an additional dimension, the app has a virtual Millennium Falcon which can be wandered around with a droid’s eye view.
But the smartest added value of this app probably comes with the links to some of the films.
Leave the app open whilst watching one on the TV and the Artoo tunes in, reacting to some of the key points in the action.
