This “strangely charming” mobile robot offers proof that we’re living in “a golden age of toys.” Place an iPhone or iPod Touch atop Romo and you can bring him to life by using a second iOS device as a remote. He can roll into a room, engage the occupant in a video chat, and change his facial expressions accordingly. But “the real magic” happens when you program in a personality. Want a shy Romo? He can be made to back away in fear whenever the phone’s camera sees a face, then creep forward with head bowed. Pick him up and he’ll giggle.
$149, romotive.com
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