Did you know that Robosapien comes in two basic models and a few styles of each, but only one version is capable of realistic interaction with the other robotic toys currently released by Wowee? Are you aware that i-Dog and Tekno the Robotic Puppy are both very different types of robotic toys with various capabilities? Knowing which robotic toy your child really wants can be a little tricky, but hopefully you will be able to understand the Robo world a little better with this quick reference guide of some of the top contenders.

Wow Wee is one of the strongest contenders in the Robotic toy world with such clever inventions like Robosapien and Roboreptile. Originally, WowWee was responsible for independent research for other companies, making items like talking dolls and simple robotic animals, but times have changed. After deciding to go into the business for themselves, WowWee brought a few robotic toys into the market, but it wasn’t until 2004, when WowWee celebrated its breakthrough project Robosapien, that WowWee found its way into the mega-hot toy market.

Wow Wee Original Robosapien – The one that started it all isn’t as fancy as its cousin, but he still has a lot of class. It is also more reasonable in price than the V2, and its appearance and capabilities are different. Designed by a NASA technician, this 14” tall robot can fetch and dance. You can teach him to do a few tricks, and he can walk on two legs. He has 67 pre-programmed functions, including rude behaviour. He has four program modes and three interactive modes. (Average Price: $49.97 – 99.00 )

Wow Wee Robosapien V2 – Capable of interacting with Robopet, Roboraptor, and Roboreptile, Robosapien Version 2 is an awesome toy! It can interact with people and objects and has believable body movements including waving, martial arts, and getting his groove on. Robosapien V2 can recognize certain stimuli and sounds, can avoid obstacles with his infrared vision capabilities, and can reportedly recognize colors. There are two demo modes, six program modes, a hundred pre-programmed functions, and three modes of function including one that uses a remote control. This robot is 24” tall. (Average Price: $169 – 199 )

Wow Wee Robosapien Media (RS Media) – The latest Robosapien available (until Robosapien Jr. hits the market), Robosapien Media is a customizable and completely programmable robot with an LCD screen, stereos, a camera on its head, four interesting personalities, Robotic Functionality, and can even take pictures. (Average Price: $350)

Wow Wee Robopet – This sleek dog able to perform tricks with a little training (positive and negative reinforcement training capabilities), can use a remote control or touch interaction, and has lifelike movements. Modes can be selected or environmentally influenced. Robopet can avoid objects on the floor using his infrared vision, and he makes realistic animal noises. The coolest feature is his ability to pick himself up from a fall using his internal tilt sensors. Even cooler is his ability to avoid the edge of a table and not walk off.  (Average Price: $39 – 69 )

Wow Wee Roboraptor – Roboraptor is a realistic moving robotic dinosaur with similar capabilities to the Robopet. You can use his sensors to interact with him in three modes: hunter, pet, or creature. Scary stuff. (Average Price: $49 - 69 )

Wow Wee Roboreptile – The Roboreptile has a really cool personality and its animations are awesome. It is 2 ¼ feet long and has really realistic movement. It can run on four legs or attack on two with a realistic whipping tail and a neck that moves like a real reptile. There are a total of five modes and three moods, and it can shut off. Use either a remote control or touch interaction. It comes in standard gray and green metallic chromashift. (Average Price: $69 – 125 )

Wow Wee Chimpanzee – This interactive toy features realistic personality and an almost lifelike appearance complete with soft skin and hair. It behaves just like a chimp without the nasty habits, though it must be played with to develop certain reactions involving its touch sensors and infrared vision. You can either act with it by touch or use its included remote control, and it’s programmable with a sleep mode and the ability to detect sound. (Average Price: $88-140 )

Wow Wee Minis – Just for fun, Wow Wee has created miniature versions of Robosapien and friends. They are very simple toys and do not have the same capabilities of the larger versions. (Average Price: $9 - 14.99 )