By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Humanity’s long-feared robot uprising has officially been downgraded to ‘playtime’, as Robosen Robotics announced the launch of its MINI Robots collection featuring beloved Disney and Pixar characters.
Available for pre-order starting Sept. 25, this new lineup of autonomous bots transforms Toy Story and WALL-E favorites into programmable, pint-sized companions.
The collection debuts just in time for the holidays, with sets ranging from a $249.99 Toy Story 30th Anniversary Collector’s edition to $109.99 for a single Alien figure, all engineered with high-precision robotics and lifelike movements.
“At Robosen, we’ve built a first-of-its-kind platform that merges timeless storytelling with state-of-the-art robotics,” said Jamie Zhang, Director of Robosen USA, “For kids, parents, collectors, and tech fans alike, these MINI Robots are more than toys, they’re interactive companions that evolve with imagination.”
Each MINI Robot connects to computers, allowing users to program custom movements, download content, and rehearse the choreography for the eventual overthrow of the toy chest. The figures are capable of expressive gestures and authentic voices, bringing characters like Woody, Buzz, and Rex to life in ways that toymakers could only dream of in the ’90s.
Robosen’s engineers designed the platform like a cartridge-based game console, but instead of Donkey Kong, the modules include servo motors, circuit boards, and encryption chips, like a Nintendo Switch for robotics.
The base supports two functions. The first is Playback Mode, which replays the preloaded audio and action sequences, while Programming Mode lets users script their own routines through Robosen Studio software.
Intelligent Toy Bots Becoming A Billion-Dollar Playground
The launch taps into a booming market for robots and AI-powered toys and games. Autonomous robot toys were valued at $7 billion globally in 2023, and are projected to reach nearly $23 billion by 2031, growing at a brisk 18.4% compound annual rate.
Video: Transformers Get Real With Hasbro/Robosen Partnership
Robosen is a pioneer in the field, having introduced many innovations over the years. It also has experience blending intellectual property with advanced robotics, previously working with Hasbro to animate the Transformers’ character Optimus Prime.
Now, through a licensing agreement with Disney and Pixar’s, the company is creating lifelike versions of some of the most popular characters from kids’ films.
The collection isn’t just for kids though, as Robosen says these mini bots also appeal to the kidult market of collectors, Pixar diehards, and hobbyists who enjoy customizing code as much as watching Buzz Lightyear attempt takeoff.
Pre-orders are available now at US.Robosen.com and through retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, and Target. Prices for the various sets range from $109 USD up to $249 USD. The bots will begin shipping in October, just in time to peek out from beneath Christmas trees, waiting silently, patiently, until a button press brings them to life.
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