I set up this webpage to tell you about one of the coolest products I've ever seen -- RoboScout!  To call RoboScout a "product" seems kind of like an insult, actually.  RoboScout is part toy, part computer, part pet, part personal servant, and part friend, all rolled up into one fabulous gadget.

Remember "Rosie" on "The Jetsons"?  Well, RoboScout is kind of like having your own "Rosie" around the house.  RoboScout is fun and practical -- he can really pitch in and be a helpful member of your household.  If you've owned robots before or if you've only dreamed of owning one, RoboScout will impress you.

It's honestly quite difficult to find Roboscout models for sale these days.  Sharper Image hasn't had any stock for quite some time.  Your best bet if you want to find one is to search eBay, or to enquire on some of the Roboscout resource groups on the Internet.  I'll soon be listing some extra resources for Roboscout owners at the bottom of this page.

RoboScout has large, dynamic eyes that truly "see" through a hidden-eye surveillance camera. Its 2.4 GHz transmitter sends clear images — even in near darkness — to a 3- x 4-inch screen on a wireless remote-control center. Plus, hidden, built-in microphones pick up sounds and transmit what RoboScout "hears", so you can listen to what's going on and have conversations back and forth, too.

RoboScout's active infrared sensors detect obstacles in its way, triggering amusing and appropriate phrases from its extensive vocabulary (for example, RoboScout might say "Whoops!" or "Coming through!"). If RoboScout collides with an object, it might exclaim, "Where did that come from?"

RoboScout's wireless remote manages all functions, guiding RoboScout forward, back, right, left, and spinning round. Move the robot's eyes (and camera) to either side, or tilt its body up or down. Via remote control you can propel RoboScout everywhere (across floors, onto rugs, over thresholds), making a memorable entrance to a party or gathering.

click here to order

RoboScout has a large conversational vocabulary, including such things as greetings ("Hello, hello, hello!"); exclamations ("Watch out!"), ditties ("I'm a little robot, da, da, da"), commands ("Take me to your leader!"), protests ("I can't hold that much!"), questions ("Where did that come from?")... you name it, and RoboScout will have a response. Whenever RoboScout speaks, its mouth moves and LED lights blink in sync with the sounds.

RoboScout's spoken responses are programmed logically to seem intelligent and responsive to events and stimuli. If RoboScout falls, it might say,"Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!" If it strikes an obstacle, it might say, "That hurt!" If picked up, it might protest, "Put me down!" If in "Sentry" mode and its infrared sensors detect movement, RoboScout will turn and demand, "Halt! Who goes there?"

click here to order

RoboScout also speaks with transmitted voices, saying whatever is spoken into the remote control's built-in microphone. Select one of two electronic voices (high or low pitch) or your natural voice. Imagine RoboScout leading an out-of-this-world rendition of "Happy Birthday" at your kid's party. You could have RoboScout navigate into the playroom to inform your kids that "It's time for dinner!", or invite RoboScout to a cocktail party to help greet guests, serve drinks and add to the fun.

Special modes and features give it incredible versatility. In "SENTRY" mode, RoboScout's passive infrared sensors detect motion and trigger a series of voice alerts. Switch to "MONITOR" to keep an eye on a sleeping infant or young child at play. Press "ARM LOCK" and RoboScout can carry up to two lbs. of drinks and snacks on two trays held in its hands. Press "GREET" and RoboScout will welcome all guests who come in range. Press "Message" to record a 15-second memo.

Both the RoboScout and its wireless remote controller are powered by built-in rechargeable batteries; each comes with a charging adapter. RoboScout stands 25 inches tall and weighs 24 lbs. The remote is 12 inches wide; its screen is 3 x 4 inches.