Up next in our Toy Fair Previews series is Spin Master. Spin Master responsible for some amazing interactive and “tech” toys, such as the Zoomer Dino, one of last year’s top toys, as well as the popular “How to Train Your Dragon” movie line. This year, they plan to raise the robotics bar with a new product that took home a huge honor for it’s debut at this year’s CES. Here’s the full story. I can’t wait to see this thing.

Spin Master Launches Meccanoid G15 KS
Highly Interactive, Revolutionary Personal Robot that is Accessible to All

January 6, 2015– Las Vegas NV- Spin Master Ltd., a global leader and one of the top five U.S. toy manufacturers*, is excited to take the iconic global brand Meccano (known as Erector in the United States) to the next level in 2015 and introduce Meccanoid G15 KS, your personal robot. Meccano is at the leading edge of the new industrial & makers revolution with the introduction of one of the most innovative segments in its category. Meccano is developing the world’s next pioneers by inspiring them to build the future and shape the world.

Meccanoid G15 KS is your personal robot built with the latest Meccano parts. It is an advanced yet easy to use open source Robotic Building platform, making it accessible to builders covering a broad range of ages and skill sets. Meccanoid G15 KS will attract new fans to the world of robotics that would have otherwise have been scared off by something they felt was intimidating.

“Simplicity was central to the design and development from day one so we developed three programming options. First, a cool new tech we call “LIM” – Learned Intelligent Movement. Second, a “Ragdoll” Avatar control via an app, and finally and perhaps the most fun of all, Motion capture. All allow someone with no prior experience to program with ease in moments”, said Ben Varadi, EVP & Chief Creative Officer for Spin Master, Ltd.

In addition, the robot uses its on board “Mecca Brain” and voice recognition to say thousands of phrases, tell jokes, offer fun facts, play games, initiate conversations and even remember your name and birthday!

Meccano is designed specifically for kids 5-14 who are motivated by the challenge of making, creating and discovery; Meccano is the only brand that combines real life engineering, technology, tools, and materials to build, create, and stretch kids’ imaginations while allowing them to learn while having fun.

Meccano guarantees to keep its heritage and strong DNA, ( real metal, highly educational, instilling creativity, technologically advanced and durable) but is introducing a new design language and philosophy, and significantly improved product and consumer experience. All Meccano sets will now include new user friendly instructions with clear building and tool tips, ergonomic and modular tools, and will include refreshed metallic and colored parts, hi-tech fabrics, and electric motors, along with a full range of digital programing.

Additionally, Meccano is working with the best schools and universities, such as the USC Engineering and Robotics Research Lab, to make its line highly compatible with STEM initiatives and support the developments of the pioneers of the future.

“Meccano is an iconic global brand with a powerful DNA. It was founded in 1901 and has always been about being culturally relevant and creating toys that enable children and adults to build and stretch their imaginations,” said Krista DiBerardino, Chief Marketing Officer, Spin Master Ltd. “The all new Meccano promises to bring a new level of excitement, challenge, creativity and fun to builders as it fully leverages Spin Master’s award winning & cutting edge innovation.”

*Source: The NPD Group / US Retail Tracking Service / Annual 2013 / Dollar Volume

This item won the very prestigious “Last Gadget Standing” competition at this year’s CES!

So, join us on Saturday, February 14th for our coverage of Spin Master.