Remote-control toys have been around since the 1960s. But not until the last decade has there been a push to advance the technology behind what was once the centerpiece of every child's toy chest.
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As technology gets smaller, cheaper, and more easily developed, certain manufacturers have refocused their attention on updating RC toys to cater to an increasingly sophisticated youth. Here are some toys just out on the market, and some to come later this year, that apply innovative devices from the medical, military, and digital fields to gadgets any kid can enjoy.
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| Spin Master / Air Hogs |
Hawkeye
Maker/Brand: Spin Master / Air Hogs
MSRP: $65
Technology: USB drive, micro video cameras as found on mobile devices
Available: Fall 2010
In a first for remote-control vehicles, Air Hogs' Hawkeye combines the digital world with the classic RC helicopter. This indoor heli has a built-in video camera, so kids can remotely fly and shoot videos at once. Five minutes of video or 150 still photos can be stored on its removable USB key, which can then be detached and plugged into a computer for upload and editing.
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| Mattel |
Stealth Rides
Maker/Brand: Mattel (MAT) / Hot Wheels
MSRP: $24.99
Technology: Engineering ingenuity, flattened pager motor, infrared
Available: August 2010
Stealth Rides are the size of an iPhone, but a third its weight. The vehicle comes stored in a pocket-size case, which double as its remote control. With the push of a button, the disk-like form snaps into a fully-functioning 3D car.
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| Bandai America |
Cyclaws
Maker/Brand: Bandai America / Bandai
MSRP: $79.99
Technology: Surface sensor, automated "transform mode"
Available: July 2010
This futuristic stunt vehicle runs on three modes, combining traditional RC play with claw expansion and auto-transform modes. The tires can sense changes in the surface below and automatically change modes for better navigation, whether it's carpet to pavement or grass to rocks.
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| Carrera of America |
Agent Black
Maker/Brand: Carrera of America / Carrera
MSRP: $79.99
Technology: Lithium ion battery, high-impact plastic toray, Tri-band technology
Available: June 2010
In a "throwback" tribute to what remote-control toys used to be, Carrera of America is introducing vehicles like the water-shooting, xenon-beaming Agent Black. Working off lithium batteries, it can run for an unprecedented 40-minutes of straight playtime. The toray shell helps the car last longer, and Tri-band's three -- instead of the traditional two frequencies -- lets more kids race at once.
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| Spin Master / Air Hogs |
Vectron Wave
Maker/Brand: Spin Master / Air Hogs
MSRP: $24.99
Technology: Sonar technology as used in submarines
Available: Spring 2010
Using a ranging system, the Vectron Wave is programmed to hover a certain distance above whatever object is directly below it. This is much like the sonar technology used in submarines. Here, the kids' own hands, head, arms serve as the remote control, directing where this spninng UFO-like vehicle goes.
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| Spin Master / Air Hogs |
Switch Blade
Maker/Brand: Spin Master / Air Hogs
MSRP: $69.99
Technology: Shape memory alloys
Released: September 2009
Using technology adapted from the medical industry, the Switch Blade takes off in the form of a spinning saucer, but then transforms into a flying jet in midair. The switch locks in when signals are sent to adapated shape-memory alloys, much like your brain sending a pulse to the nerves in your muscles.
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| Spin Master / Air Hogs |
Nano Zero Gravity
Maker/Brand: Spin Master / Air Hogs
MSRP: $29.99
Technology: Anti-gravity simulation
Released: Fall 2009
This pocket-sized racecar can be driven up walls and across ceilings. While the gravity-defying technology behind this is a simple fan, the concept has been a new advacement in the remote control space. The built-in fan controls the air pressure underneath the car, sucking it up against its underlying surface.
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| Spin Master / Air Hogs |
Laser Gravity Beam
Maker/Brand: Spin Master / Air Hogs
MSRP: $39.99
Technology: Anti-gravity, infrared sensory
Released: Fall 2009
The Laser Gravity Beam employs the same anti-gravity play on air pressure. The added element of light sensitivity is installed to the front of the vehicle, letting it differentiate infrared from the visual light spectrum. The device senses the beam of light being shot from the remote control and "chases" it up walls and across ceilings.
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| Toys R Us / Fast Lane |
JLX Overdrive
Maker/Brand: Toys R Us / Fast Lane
MSRP: $99.99
Technology: power and performance through design and Ni-Mh batteries
Released: Fall 2009
Designed to cover various terrains, the JLX Overdrives boasts up to 225 miles per hour in scale speed. It runs on two nickel-metal-hydride battery packs, for longer run times and powerful performance. Stunts include tires that allow self-propelled flips and, with a ramp, jumps as much as 6.5 feet.
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| Spin Master / Air Hogs |
Moto Frenzy
Maker/Brand: Spin Master / Air Hogs
MSRP: $24.99
Technology: mirco-gyro stabilizing technology
Released: Fall 2010
This micro motorcycle fits in the palm of your hand and employs a self-balancing technology to stay upright as the user remotely controls it to make sharp turns and perform high-flying stunts. There's also a wheelie button to make it go freewheel on its back tire.
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| Getty Images |
HEXBUG Micro Robotic Creatures
Maker/Brand: Innovation First Inc. / HEXBUG
MSRP: $9.99 to $19.99
Technology: pager motor, integrated circuit chips, infrared
Released: Spring 2010 (Nano)
These micro creatures fit in the palm of your hands and react to light, sound, and touch. They come in five forms, each incorporating items such as a pager motor or integrated circuit chips. The latest addition to the lineup is the Nano, which skitters along using mobile vibrations. The Original shuffles away from objects and loud noises. The Inchworm is remotely controlled to move forward, backward, and revolve. The Crab seeks shaded areas on its own. The high-speed Ant bounces forward and back upon hitting obstacles in its path.
