The Robotic Quadruped

This robot has the highest level of awareness of any available and is capable of detecting table ledges and navigational impediments from up to 6' away. The robot can operate autonomously, using integrated sensors to scan for and react to moving objects and to determine in which direction and how quickly it moves. The robot's levels of awareness, aggression, and activity can be set to low, medium, or high, allowing manipulation of its scanning activity, interactive capabilities, and "personality." The robotic quadruped moves forward and backward and each of the four legs swivel 360°, enabling it to scuttle sideways like a crab, while the head pans and tilts, resulting in an optimal field of view for scanning its surroundings. The device can be directed by remote control. LEDs mounted in its head activate in low-light conditions (allowing nighttime use), and the robot has a sound sensor that reacts to noise, causing the robot to probe its environment for intruders. Robot requires four C batteries and remote requires three AAA batteries. Ages 8 and up.