Hexbug

Hexbug (stylized as HEXBUG) is a brand of infrared and automaton toys developed and distributed by Spin Master. HEXBUG uses many elements found in BEAM robotics. First piloted in the US through RadioShack, HEXBUG is now sold in most major retail stores. The original HEXBUGs are based on six-legged arthropods but now come in several different varieties. The name "HEXBUG" refers to the six-sided packaging in which it is sold, rather than its number of legs.

Hexbug (stylized as HEXBUG) is a brand of infrared and automaton toys developed and distributed by Spin Master. HEXBUG uses many elements found in BEAM robotics. First piloted in the US through RadioShack, HEXBUG is now sold in most major retail stores. The original HEXBUGs are based on six-legged arthropods but now come in several different varieties. The name "HEXBUG" refers to the six-sided packaging in which it is sold, rather than its number of legs. ===Inchworm=== The Inchworm was the first IR-controlled mechanical bug, which utilized a remote that allowed free motion about its center and inched around with two sets of legs, hence the "inchworm". The Inchworm came in five colors: Green, Red, Indigo, Black, and Plum. The Inchworm also debuted in the Fall of 2008 along with the Crab. Despite being called an "Inchworm", this product only resembles the Inchworm in that it inches around; visually, there is no resemblance. ===Beetle (hi-tech Beetle)=== The hi-tech HEXBUG Beetle, a micro robotic creature, will travel in a straight line until it hits an object in its path or hears a loud noise. Upon contact or noise, the bug reverses in a half circle, and then moves forward in a new direction. Featuring bump sensor feelers, it crawls and senses objects. It is available in multiple colors and comes with two batteries. It is suitable for children eight years of age and older. ===Spider=== The Spider is a remote-controlled hexapod robot able to change direction by its head rotation. The head presses the leg joints into moving forward in the direction where the head is pointed. It is powered by three replaceable LR44 (AG13) Button cell batteries. ===Battle Spider 1.0=== The Battle Spider is a variant of the Spider. Equipped with an LED light and sensor, it can engage in laser-tag battle. Unlike the standard Spider and the Battle Spider 2.0, the first edition of the Battle Spider can only move forward. It is powered by three replaceable LR44 (AG13) batteries. ===Battle Spider 2.0=== The Battle Spider 2.0 is a revised edition of the Battle Spider. It can walk backwards like the original Spider and is powered by three replaceable LR44 (AG13) batteries. ===Scarab=== The Scarab is a fast-moving mechanical robot made to resemble a beetle with six legs. Its movement is autonomous and random, reacting to obstacles with a rapid change in direction. The Scarab automatically will return to its feet if it is upside-down. Internal gears and motors are visible through its translucent shell. It is powered by three replaceable LR44 (AG13) batteries. ===Tarantula=== The Tarantula is an eight-legged remote-controlled robot resembling the Strandbeast. It can move in all directions as well as rotate. ===Battle Tarantula=== The Battle Tarantula features the same functions as the Tarantula but can shoot and move. ===Aquabot=== A line of miniature robotic fish was released in 2013¹. Their built-in sensors detect liquid, which activates the caudal fin for propulsion through the water. Available as a fish, jellyfish, wahoo, and seahorse. ===VEX Robotics=== A line of construction sets for building robots, VEX Robotics kits allow a player to build their own contraptions as well as up-scaled versions of Hexbug products. It is named after the VEX Robotics learning platform developed by Innovation First, which was prominently utilized for STEM education. ===Discontinued versions=== ====Crab==== The Crab was the second HEXBUG mechanical bug. It only moved sideways and reacted to obstacles, light, and sound by reversing direction. It was withdrawn in September 2014, most likely due to a common defect with its back legs. The Crab came in five separate colors: Green, Red, Black, Indigo, and Turquoise. This model debuted in Fall 2008. ====Larva==== The Larva was a worm-like robot with an infrared eye which avoided objects in its path. Its battery use, however, was very strong. It was withdrawn in February 2015. HexBugs work by vibrating, which causes them to move sporadically and unpredictably, similar to the insects after which they were modelled. ==See also== Hexapod (robotics) ==References== ==External links== Official site

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