Erector Spykee - The Spy Robot |  | Brand: Erector
Category: Toy
List Price: $299.99
Buy New: $278.59
You Save: $21.40 (7%)
New (8) from $278.59
Avg. Customer Rating:  3 reviews
Sales Rank: 2066
Batteries Included: Yes
Age: 8 - 83.3333333333 years
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4.5
Dimensions (in): 11.8 x 11.8 x 11.8
MPN: 870850E
Model: 870850E
UPC: 724641708506
EAN: 0724641708506
ASIN: B000N6470A
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Spykee can move, observe, hear, speak and take real time pictures with video and with sound effects | | • | Spykee is a digital music player | | • | A video surveillance device | | • | Activates an alarm or sends you a picture by email | | • | Recommended for 8 years and up |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Spykee, the spy robot, is a crafty 'bot that you control via the WiFi connection in your computer. This means you can give Spykee commands from virtually anywhere in the world! Plus, he does just about everything except feed the dog.Spykee moves, watches, hears, speaks, takes pictures, records video and sound, and can act as a surveillance camera. What's more - when he begins to lose steam, he automatically heads back to his charging station (included) for more "energy." Compatible with classic metal Erector sets, sold separately. Requires one 9.6V battery (included). Measures 12" x 12" x 12". Spy Robot As you control him through your computer, Spykee can move, watch, hear, speak, take pictures, and record video and sound. Send him off on your most intriguing missions while you watch from the safety of your home computer. VOIP Phone Need to make a call' No problem. Spykee acts as a VOIP phone and webcam, and is compatible with Spykee 3.0 (PC) technology. Video Surveillance Spykee keeps an eye out for you. When he detects a movement, an alarm is activated on your computer, or he'll send you a picture via e-mail. Digital Music Player Jam to the beat of your own tunes with Spykee. He's happy to play your favorite songs. Other Play Functions From taking snapshots, sound and video recordings to providing video filters, there's not much Spykee doesn't do. Requirements PC requirements: Windows 2000/XP with .NET framework 2.0. MAC requirements: MAC OS X.
Amazon.com Product Description
Spykee The Spy Robot takes interactive Erector sets beyond the limits of kids' imagination. This latest build-your-own Erector set from Nikko America does everything from play digital music to guard a home or business. Spy from Anywhere
Recommended for ages eight and up, Spykee is far more than your ordinary toy robot. Perfect for audio-visual surveillance, Spykee has the ability to move, watch, speak, and hear. With a built-in video camera and microphone, the robot takes real-time pictures with video and with sound effects. When motion is detected, Spykee activates an alarm or sends a picture by email. Compatible with Skype 3.0 (PC) technology, Spykee can also be used as a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone and web camera. Best of all, this motorized robot is equipped with a WiFi card, which means kids can access and control Spykee via the Internet from anywhere in the world. 3-in-1 Robot Fun
But there's more fun than just spying! Combining a classic robot design with the latest technology, kids can use Spykee to construct three different robot models from this same set. Downloading their favorite songs to Spykee, this spy robot even acts as a digital music player with its own loudspeakers. Compatible with most Erector sets, it features lights and optical fibers, and an IR auto-parking recharging system automatically sends Spykee back to the power station for a recharge. 
The Spy robot takes real-time pictures with video and sound effects. View larger. | 
The robot is equipped with a WiFi card, which means kids can access and control Spykee via the Internet. View larger. |
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| Customer Reviews:
 Erector Spykee November 21, 2008
0 out of 9 found this review helpful
Erector Spykee is a hyper inflated toy that is hardly worth the small mental effort to put together a few indistinct mechanisms that resemble dumb cranes or hulking robotics. You can't do much with it, it's expensive and math and science lovers rave about it day in day out. It's overrated by everyone who has purchased one and there's no evidence that this is any more productive for the brain than a pile of bricks. This toy is pushed by the elitist robotic sub-culture who think they are the wave of the future.
If you are using it for kids, you're better off just getting a block set, an army set, and a classical Erector Building Set. You'll even have money left over to get a bike.
This is a robotic size piece of junk.
 My Spykee November 15, 2008
11 out of 12 found this review helpful
Picked one up from a local Toys R Us. Setup was easy if you read the instructions. Overall it works as advertised (except that it can't climb stairs). I've controlled it remotely, and even freaked out my wife who was unaware that I was controlling it from a coffee shop about 1.5 miles from my house.
For the price I think it's well worth it (I'm sure it'll go down too as time goes on and newer models appear). The software is simple, and it goes together very well. However, a few of the assembly diagrams were difficult to make out, so I tried my best to take my time (40 yrs old and still a geek). I travel out of town quite a bit, and frankly this will allow me to check out my house and family while I'm away.
There is lag in control over the internet(termed as "remote" in the manual), but that is to be expected for a first generation product. I'm sure in a year or two it will be improved like most of technology. Even the Rovio is exhibited this - I did the 5 minute test drive on the net. It kinda gives you an idea of how NASA's MARS rovers are like to operate though. I found it a fun challenge.
The self docking action is the neatest. However, mine seems to have issues in total darkness - but I will play with it some more. I'm thinking there must be something reflective in the vicinty that throws the IR off -currently it parks between to toy bins made of shiny plastic.
If anything, Spykee seems to have brought into awareness the clutter we have in the house!
In conclusion, I would have gotten the Rovio instead - more features, but the reviews so far seems to point towards issues with charging and docking. Critical features for remote home surveillance. I still have 45 days on this Spykee, if the Rovio does not improve I'll stick with SPykee.
In the future, I'll probably invest in the Irobot.
Three things I wish Spykee had...
1. Wide angle camera lens and the ability to zoom in and out
2. Accessories that can be added and controlled over the internet
3. Bright headlights - when we are not home we usually turn off
most of the lights, and so running the SPykee at night in remote would
be a real challenge. Maybe I'll just invest in a few more light timers.
Currently there seems to be three of these type of devices that are being offered or will be soon...
1. Erector Spykee (available now)
2. WOwwee Rovio (on-line only)
3. Irobot ConnectR (still in development)
This is really a great idea. Especially for home surveillance, and for our pet loving counterparts. I plan on getting a few (not the spykee though - not durable enough) - for my parents, parents in law, and my brother and sister as the technology improves.
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11/15/08 Just a post note: Today I operated Spykee from a remote location via a PC connected (by wire) to a router. The control was as good as in ad hoc link! Prior to this I was using my PDA as a modem for my laptop - this connection introduced a considerable amount of lag, but it was still drivable. The pda runs a 2.5 MBsec.
Also, I've purchased a handful of LED Nite Lights to use as beacons in near total darkness at night. They work great. You can get a two pack for $5 at Lowes or Home Depot. The lights come in a variety of shapes, and sizes. These will do till I find a way to mount and control a Luxeon LED flashlight on Spykee.
Lastly, I had the idea that this type of device would also be good for people who are bed ridden or have vary limited mobility. It can allow them to keep in touch with family members or be at places (zoos, aquariums, museums, malls, lakes, parks, fairs...etc) and do things in a way that can help them obtain a more personal experience - they can take their own pictures, shoot their own videos, say their own words. Just awesome. I firmly believe that in few years devices like this will be needed just like a TV, or Ipod. Anyhow, this is a real good implementation of networks, the Internet, robotics, GUI, and digital multimedias.
Have fun!
 I want one! February 24, 2008
3 out of 30 found this review helpful
I am getting one ASAP. I have tried to make something like this, but automatic power recharging system is tricky.
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