Touch your phone to control a robot!

The 'iDroid' robot sports wraparound glasses that light up when controlled by smartphone systems via Bluetooth.

A smartphone-controlled robot that fires foam bullets is among the attractions drawing crowds at Asia’s largest toy show this week.

Aiming to shake off the global economic slowdown, about 2,000 exhibitors from 43 countries are displaying their wares at the Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair, the second largest in the world and now in its 38th year.

The 30 centimetre (one foot) plastic “iDroid” robot sports wraparound glasses that light up when controlled by smartphone systems via Bluetooth.

“The concept came about one day when we were thinking how to incorporate the latest technology with something fun for the kids,” says Eddie Yu, chief marketing officer of the robot’s maker, Hong Kong-based Globalactive Technology Ltd.

“Everyone has a smartphone these days, so naturally we thought it could be used to control a cool toy,” he says while using his phone to make the robot perform Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk to the delight of the young audience.

At other times it fires a toy machine gun at giggling toddlers, swiveling its mechanical arms. Source:

Published in The Express Tribune, January 14^th, 2012.