Robopanda

Robopanda is a robotic interactive panda companion produced by WowWee. The Robopanda uses interchangeable cartridges that contain personalities, stories and songs, and is controlled directly by touch and sound sensors. Robopanda is labeled for use by children ages 9 and up.

Hardware

 * 8 motors
 * Sound sensor
 * Capacitive touch sensors
 * Tilt sensor
 * Safety/pinch sensors
 * Minipanda accessory with RFID tag
 * Two cartridges
 * 8 motors

Batteries
Robopanda requires 6 x C and 4 x AA size batteries.

Modes
Robopanda operates in three different modes controlled by a 3 way power switch: Training mode, Friend mode, or Menu mode. After 4 minutes without touch input, Robopanda will enter Sleep/power down mode. In Training mode, Robopanda will explain his various functions and sensors. Volume may also be adjusted while in Training mode by touching an arm (volume up) or leg (volume down). In Friend mode, Robopanda will converse, tell jokes and ask for touch stimulation. Robopanda will also recognize the minipanda accessory (with embedded RFID) when in Friend mode. Menu mode is broken down into 3 'settings' that are accessed by the touch sensors: touching a foot enters Free Roam setting; touching the belly enters the Games setting; touching a hand enters the Tricks setting; and touching a head sensor enters the Song/Story setting. The back touch sensor is used to return to the main menu of Menu mode.

Programming
Robopanda can be 'programmed' by moving its arms and legs while in the Tricks setting of Training mode. It will then play back the sequence of movements; this is similar to Puppet mode in other WowWee robots such as Robosapien V2. The program memory holds a limited number of movements, and the sequence of moves is retained in the cartridge only while it is inserted in Robopanda. The actions of Robopanda can be changed by inserting a different cartridge.