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<strong>TOY</strong> <strong>FAIR</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />
THAMES & KOSMOS<br />
Happy Atoms, from Thames & Kosmos, is a physical and digital kit that lets kids<br />
discover the world of molecules in an intuitive, hands-on way. Using a set of 52 atom<br />
models representing 16 different elements, kids can stick the atoms together with magnets<br />
and the rubbery arms to assemble their own molecular models. <strong>The</strong>y can then snap a<br />
picture with the included iPad app, which uses image-recognition technology to identify<br />
the molecule, then shares detailed information about more than 120 of the most important<br />
molecules, such as the usage, properties, hazards, formula, and structure. Designed for kids<br />
ages 8 and up, Happy Atoms will officially launch with an Indiegogo campaign this year.<br />
Code Gamer is a kit that gives kids a step-by-step introduction to programming.<br />
Using the gamepad and the four interchangeable sensor modules, kids can play through a<br />
video game app on their tablets. In each level of the game, they learn a piece of Arduino programming<br />
language, use it to solve puzzles and challenges, and progress in the game.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Geckobot is a wall-climbing robot that has a motorized air suction system that enables it to walk vertically up and down perfectly smooth<br />
surfaces, such as glass, plastic, whiteboards, and glossy laminates. <strong>The</strong> battery-powered motor drives an innovative gear system that produces a<br />
rotating motion making the legs move back and forth and up and down, mimicking a real gecko—two of the feet are touching the wall while the<br />
other two feet are lifted off of the wall, in an alternating motion. When the Geckobot’s tongue hits an object in front of it, it triggers the motor to go<br />
in reverse, thus causing the model to walk back down the wall. Kids can build six other models and conduct experiments with suction to learn about<br />
air pressure and the mechanical physics of this unique device. <strong>The</strong>y can also build models of an industrial robotic arm with vacuum suction cup grippers,<br />
a car with suction cup wheels, an octopus with suction cup arms, a crawling insect, a window cleaning robot, and a vacuum holder device.<br />
<strong>TOY</strong>BOOK.COM | FEBRUARY <strong>2016</strong> | THE <strong>TOY</strong> BOOK 229
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