Review: HEXBUG Crab
Written on Dec 2, 2008 by Steve and filed under Hexbug, News, Reviews
The HEXBUG Crab is a micro robot that reacts to light and noise. It’s one of several models of micro robots available from HEXBUG. If you’re looking for some small last minute gifts or stocking stuffers for someone interested in robots or for kids who are interested in robotics, the HEXBUG Crab is worth a look.
Features
The HEXBUG Crab is pretty tiny, measuring 2.8 inches x 2.4 inches x 2 inches and weighing in at 1.1 ounces. It’s powered by two replaceable button-cell batteries (AG13/LR44). Batteries come with the Crab though, so out of the box you’re up and running quickly.
The Crab reacts to input from sound and light sensors. When turned on, the Crab will move (from side to side, just like a real crab) and will move in a straight line until it encounters a dark spot or if it hears a loud noise. A dark area will cause the Crab to “hide” motionless. Once it’s hidden, a loud noise or light will get it moving again. A loud noise while it’s walking along will force it to change directions. The Crab will also change directions on pre-programmed intervals.
The HEXBUG Crab is available in five colors: black, green, indigo, red, and turquoise. Our review unit is the turquoise model.
Usage
The Crab works as advertised – dark spots make it stop and hide, noises make it go or change direction. If there is a lot of background noise, it will often be loud enough to effect the robot. It’s just fun, and really simple, to play with the robot. Young kids will be amazed at how it works. Below is a video of the Crab finding a dark spot and then running away after I slapped on the floor.
The Crab works best on flat hard surfaces, by design, it won’t work well on carpet. While it walks, each leg does not get lifted up very much, so if it encounters an obstacle or uneven ground, it will topple or get stuck.
Kids had a lot of fun making pens for the Crab out of cardboard boxes, toys and whatever else they could find to box the little guy in. Adults immediately went for counter tops or desks, things more their height. This does highlight one thing that I’d like to see if a future version, some sort of edge detection. It would be very cool if the crab could walk around on a desk and not fall off. Granted that will add more to the price, but the Crab is ideal for adults at work and a Crab that doesn’t fall off the side of a desk would be a huge office hit.
Bottom Line
The HEXBUG Crab is a fun little toy and an interesting introduction to robotics. The Crab certainly encourages experimentation. How loud does a sound need to be to make it switch directions? How dark does a hiding place have to be? It’s also a fun way to drive your dog or cat nuts. The Crab will appeal to a lot of audiences too, kids had as much fun with the Crab as adults did. So, bottom line is that the Hexbug Crab’s $15 price tag is very reasonable for a fun toy and it would make a great stocking stuffer this holiday season.
Where to Buy
You can purchase the HEXBUG Crab from Radio Shack (in stores and online) and on www.hexbug.com.
4.5 out of 5 stars – Editors Choice
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