Robot crabs coming to an office near you

This August, you may be dodging something other than Frisbees at the beach or your boss at the office.

The Hexbug Crab has built-in light sensors that are programmed to run from light, just like a real crab does.

(Credit: HexBug/Innovation First)

Innovation First is releasing the Hexbug Crab, the latest in its line of Hexbug microrobotic toys that sell for about $9.99.

While the minirobot is geared toward kids, it's easy to see the Hexbug Crab gaining a place alongside office stress balls in cubicles across the country.

Like other Hexbugs, the Hexbug Crab can be left to roam around and respond to its environment. Think of it as a little pet that doesn't need to be fed.

"Feelers" on the crabs legs are actually robotic sensors that help it avoid obstacles. It responds to loud clapping or banging sounds by running away. The Hexbug Crab, however, is slightly more advanced than Hexbug's robotic bugs. This one will also have light sensors and be programmed to scurry to the darkest spot it can find, just like a real crab does.

The 75-employee Greenville, Texas-based company also seeks to promote robots in general. It maintains RobotEvents.com, a site that tracks news of educational robotic and technology projects for children and teens.

[dascha1]

During a weekend viewing of Episode I with my 8-year son he asked me why Mr. Lucas used more droids instead of human soldiers for the dark side. I said, don't know, but it would've made sense to make more droidakas than droids since those are more durable, undefeated even by the Jedi Force. Roger, roger!

[mike.loux]

Does this remind anyone else other than me of that movie "Runaway" from the 80's (you know, the one where Gene Simmons is an evil genius who designs little robotic assassin bugs that explode and stuff)? I think if I saw one of those crabs coming, I'd run.

That being said, they ARE kind of cute... :-)

[TravisOwens]

Oh wow, you're so right. Heck I had forgotten that movie existed. In fact back then, I didn't realize it was Gene Simmons but looking back I realize it was. I might have to go see that movie now.

[locodude125]

ha, well then you wouldn't to come to our football games! lol im from Greenville Texas and they sell those little hex bugs as a fund raiser for the Robotics team at our high school! there pretty neat....for about 5 minutes! lol

[dascha1]

No, actually it reminded me of the movie 'Smokey and the Bandit'... you know, the scene where the big 18-Wheeler runs over the row of motorcycles because the bikers in the bar didn't welcome the driver and kicked him out because they didn't like his dog.

[Vegaman_Dan]

The Replicators are coming.... the Replicators are coming....

[locodude125]

yea the company that builds these bugs is the sponsor team for my Robotics team at Greenville high school and its pretty cool. its neat that cnet did a story on our little robot company! lol