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The HexBug: The Intelligent Robotic Bug…or Maybe you Fancy Building Your Own?

Since I can remember, I’ve always fancied my own intelligent robot but never been able to afford the hefty price tag that accompanies it. So when I stumbled upon this ultra portable but ultra affordable intelligent bot, the Hexbug from Red5*, I could almost feel a glee of excitement as I may have just found a robot which could be fun and affordable all in one. Costing a mere £10 ($20)*, you maybe thinking, what can these cute little bots possibly do? Well, don’t let their cute and small exterior fool you as these bugs are packed with some fun features so read on to find out more. But before you have a look to see what these clever gadget bugs can do, I have something for all you techie wannabes further down the page which gives you chance to build you own little robotic bug. Now, it might not be as clever as our Hexbug but it’s worth giving it a try.

The Hexbug Robotic Bug

The Hexbug is a robotic bug that can move around freely detecting and navigating past obstacles. It can feel with its sensor antennas and can hear with a noise sensor so whenever it makes contact or hears a loud noise (e.g a clap) it will reverse in a semi circle to the left and then continue in a straight line. This gives you control over where your bug goes.

It comes in 5 shapes and colours (The sixth one must be called Hex and be a late learner), Alpha (orange), Brava (green), Charlie (blue), Delta (yellow) and Echo (pink).

We have also heard that there are rumours of that the new versions (not out yet) will look for dark places and try to avoid the light!

Watch the video below to take a sneeky peek at what this little baby does:

Blue Peter Style – Here’s what we Made at Home!

If you’re feeling a little more daring then find below the ‘Blue Peter’ style video which shows you how to build your very own Robo bugs at home. All you need is a head of a toothbrush, tape and a pager motor.

What do you think these bugs are going to be able to do? Will it hear your paper come through the letter box and fetch it for you.

Shop for it

Available at Red5

4 thoughts on “The HexBug: The Intelligent Robotic Bug…or Maybe you Fancy Building Your Own?

  • These little HexBugs are great. I managed to get myself down to one of the Red5 shops to try it out and it’s really cool.

    I am thinking these are going to be fab gift ideas for the festive season. What do you guys think?

  • TazzaHall

    I love this idea! I want one on my work desk to carry paperclips around the team…

  • A perfect desk companion to your transport paper clips! That’s sounds like a wicked idea TazzaHall.

    However, I’m not too sure about news that the newer versions can move in the dark…that’s just a little creepy for me!

    Hmmm…I wonder what else they can be used for?

  • I love the idea of the Hexbug being a paperclip carrier .. as for what else.. how about malteasers?!!

    Have you checked out the UK Hexbug blog – http://hexbug-central.blogspot.com/ .. you can view the two new products in the Hexbug family which are due out very soon.. the Hexbug Crab and Hexbug Inchworm!

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An absolute tech junky, I graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in Computing and now live on the outskirts of Leeds working with you guessed it, Computers. I love all things gadgety but really dislike wires. For those of you who haven’t worked it out the name of the site is a combination of my nickname (Gaj) and the pronunciation ‘Gadget’.
UK Gadget and Tech News, Reviews and Shopping
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