RSSMAKE @ The NYC Toy Fair 2009
MAKE is @ The NYC Toy Fair 2009 - thousands of toy makers come here each year to show off their latest - our lens on this show is a lot different than any coverage you'll see anywhere else - stay tuned for posts, images and videos of unique MAKE-style products. DIY kits, science kits, engineering, weird and bizarre -- things you'll see no where else! We'll be reporting live over the next few days, come back early and come back often!And it's over - Scholastic and Klutz will credit Evil Mad Scientist's "BristleBots"
Here the final note on the "BristleBots" we've been covering here - Lenore from Evil Mad Scientist writes -
Pat Murphy of Klutz will be sending out a note shortly to let everyone know that Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories will be receiving acknowledgment in the next printing of Invasion of the BristleBots as well as on the Klutz website. This is good news for us, and it seems like Klutz is really learning from this experience about how to work with the maker community. The online response to this situation has been overwhelming and I am glad that such an incredibly vibrant discussion was able to take place. I am truly impressed by and grateful for the support we have received.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 20, 2009 07:00 PM
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Note from Scholastic & Klutz on "BristleBots" (update 2)
BristleBot day 4 for us... A little update - We received our first email back from Scholastic today...
From: "Good, Kyle" Date: February 20, 2009 11:21:40 AM EST Subject: RE: "bristlebots" book from klutzAs we said, in light of this misunderstanding, we're contacting the folks at Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories in the interest of addressing the concerns that have been raised. Stay tuned.... Kyle
As of today (2/20/2009) here is the only public statement from Scholastic & Klutz.
Klutz is genuinely surprised by this reaction to our book. The development of "Invasion of the Bristlebots" by the Klutz creative team dates back to at least early 2007 and was developed internally like other Klutz products. In light of this misunderstanding, we're contacting the folks at Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories in the interest of addressing the concerns that have been raised.
It's not about copyright, trademarks or patents, it's about what type of company Klutz and Scholastic wants to be as they enter the world of makers - Klutz and Scholastic saw an original idea in 2007 called "Bristlebots" from Evil Mad Scientists and are now claiming they developed the *exact* same project, design and name "Bristlebots" all in secret and all in the same year. Now they are "genuinely surprised". Later, the Scholastic & Klutz marketing team added a video to the Evil Mad Scientist YouTube page to promote their book and project by the same exact name and design.
We also have emails out to the author of the book, Pat Murphy. We'll keep you posted. Be sure to check out the comments on the original post.
Update: There is a quote from Pat Murphy of Klutz / Scholastic on BoingBoing...
We (that's me and some other folks at Klutz) will be talking to Lenore asap. (Today if all goes well.) I'll keep you posted.Update 2: Here's an update from Lenore, Evil Mad Scientists...
(Feb. 20, 12:53pm PST): I just got off of a good phone conversation with Klutz and we're exploring how we can get acknowledgment for Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 20, 2009 11:30 AM
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Sad day for makers - unauthorized book from Klutz and Scholastic "BristleBots" (update)
If you recall BristleBots on MAKE back in 2007 it was from our friends and MAKE advisory board members Evil Mad Scientists. Windell and Lenore are tireless makers always sharing and creating - unfortunately it seems that Klutz and Scholastic may have taken their works and ideas without permission. I was waiting until I heard back from Klutz (and Scholastic) to get comment from them and will update this article if/when they do, but it's been over a day and other sites are starting to pick up this story (DVICE). Here's the book Marc and I saw at the Toy Fair...
And... Here's the note I sent to Klutz, Pat Murphy the author, their law firm, their PR group and PR folks at Scholastic (it's been over 24 hours and I also called and left messages).
This year I was very happy to see kltuz with a great booth and some new books, I was also surprised to see a new book called "Invasion of the Bristlebots" by Pat Murphy and the scientists of Klutz Labs.I spoke with the PR person at the booth asking for more information and she stated the book was "developed by Pat Murphy and Klutz" - I looked inside the preview copies for any other credits or acknowledgments but did not see any - I was specifically looking for "Evil Mad Scientists" and/or Windell Oskay & Lenore Edman. The bristlebot was their project developed in 2007, there were no prior instances of the term or project before that date online or anywhere else.
When I returned to my office I emailed with Windell and Lenore to ask if they had worked with Klutz in any way or was approached by Klutz in any way and they said they were not. Other companies have worked with them in the past to license their ideas or at the least, credit them. Here are the prior works from 2007.
Bristlebot: A tiny directional vibrobot
http://www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/bristlebotThe first link(s) on google are all evil mad scientist's project called "the bristlebot"
http://www.google.com/search?complete=1&hl=en&q=bristlebotIt was first posted 12/19/2007 - over a year ago. we've covered this project on MAKE as well. I informed Windell and Lenore that I would be contact Klutz for a comment, I'll be writing this up as an article on MAKE and would appreciate your gang responding the following questions:
- Did Klutz/Pat know about Evil Mad Scientist's project? The name and project are identical - it seems unlikely that they were developed independently.
- Does klutz/pat plan to contact / work with Evil Mad Scientists before this book is published?
- Can you describe how Klutz usually works with makers with original ideas that Klutz wishes to turn in to books / products?
I also saw on youtube that someone representing klutz posted a "video response" to the original video... "This is a video response to How to make a BristleBot - Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2Ps95xuAp4
It appears that someone at Klutz did know about the original project but i'd like some clarification before I release the article about all this, thanks. Email responses are best.
Here's what Windell and Lenore had to say...
"This is the first that I've heard of it. Frankly, I am a bit offended. Klutz makes some nice things, and I'm surprised that they wouldn't have contacted us, asked permission, or at least given us credit. (Locomotion by ratcheting bristles isn't remotely new -- it occurs in nature -- but the name 'Bristlebot' is surely ours, and I don't know of any prior implementation with a toothbrush.)"
Here's the video from Toy Fair - the book includes "BristleBots"...
And here's the video from 2007 from Evil Mad Scientists (over 2 million views).
I'll update this post if/when things change, please post up your thoughts in the comments. Here is the media relations page @ Scholastic - I also called and left messages for these folks too.
Update: Here's a post from Lenore at Evil Mad Scientists.
Bristlebots by Klutz? Some of our friends went to the NY Toy Fair (check out Make's coverage-- it looks like it was a lot of fun!) and came across a new offering from Klutz: "Invasion of the Bristlebots." We were never contacted by Klutz (or Scholastic), which we find surprising, being that we are the instigators of the current brush-based vibrobot movement, and the coiners of the term bristlebot. Here's our original story from 2007: Bristlebot: A tiny directional vibrobot. And here's a round-up of some of the amazing reaction from the DIY community to this news from the toy fair:Thanks to all of you for your support! We're still figuring out how to react to this, and we're waiting for comment from Klutz and Scholastic. We'll try to update this post as additional stories and information arise.
Update 2: Wow, I'm surprised by this one folks... Here's a statement on the Scholastic blog...
Klutz is genuinely surprised by this reaction to our book. The development of "Invasion of the Bristlebots" by the Klutz creative team dates back to at least early 2007 and was developed internally like other Klutz products. In light of this misunderstanding, we're contacting the folks at Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories in the interest of addressing the concerns that have been raised.
So, from what I am reading Klutz and Scholastic is saying they developed "BristleBots" 100% on their own in early 2007 and then (also in 2007) Evil Mad Scientists developed the *exactly* same thing, with the same exact name. Klutz and Scholastic never thought to contact Evil Mad Scientists at all after seeing the internet sensation "BristleBot" and are now "genuinely surprised".
Oddly enough Klutz does trademark many of the terms and words they come up with, but in this example - "BristleBots" they did not, will they now? Will Klutz and Scholastic ask EMS to take down their project which pre-dates Klutz's book?
In Klutz's marketing materials they state "On YouTube, dedicated tinkerers show off motorized toothbrush heads that are pretty darned impressive" - so if I'm following their statement - Klutz came up with "BristleBot" before anyone else and first, then an identical project happened at the same time, with the same name *and* folks on YouTube shared their videos about it all coincidentally while Klutz and their creative team worked on the same project by the same name, same design, same everything in secret but never contacted anyone about this wacky coincidence.
Ok, my head is spinning. Comment away...
Scholastic & Klutz are contacting Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories, I guess we'll see what happens. We'll keep you updated folks if we hear more.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 19, 2009 07:20 PM
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Washboard tie - that's all folks!
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - The washboard tie! And this concluded our Toy Fair 2009 coverage folks! Thousands of toy makers come here each year to show off their latest - our lens on this show was a lot different than any coverage out there - DIY kits, science kits, engineering, weird and bizarre. Hope you enjoyed it! If you'd like to see all the Toy Fair posts visit our special section!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 18, 2009 11:16 AM
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TEDCO Toys - Cool company history, great science kits
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - TEDCO Toys has an amazing history (the founder was the inventor of the cruise control, he was blind since age 6).
Chances are you have probably played with a gyroscope at some point in your life. More than likely, it was a Chandler gyroscope. For over 70 years the Chandler Company of Indianapolis, Indiana, produced and sold virtually tens of millions of gyroscopes all over the country. In 1982 TEDCO, Inc. purchased the Chandler Company. Since then, the toy line has expanded.
TEDCO was first established as a research & development company by the late Ralph Teetor. Mr. Teetor was a well-known and highly respected inventor who started TEDCO (Teetor Engineering Development Company) as a vehicle to foster his inventions. His most renowned accomplishment is the "cruise control" on your automobile. Mr. Teetor was blinded at an early age, yet he did not allow his lack of sight to hinder his creative genius. He was president of the former Perfect Circle Corporation and was inducted posthumously into the Automotive Hall of Fame.
Today, TEDCO is owned by Mr. Teetor's daughter Marjorie Teetor Meyer, and the Meyer family along with some TEDCO employee's. Most of TEDCO's direction has been turned over to the employee's with a new emphasis on manufacturing scientific and educational toys like the TEDCO Gyroscope. Located in the heart of Middle America, the people of TEDCO are committed to developing top quality toys that, in the spirit of Ralph Teetor, promote creativity, education, and fun.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 18, 2009 11:15 AM
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Dunecraft - Gothy gardening, peanut kits, science kits and sand that can't get wet...
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - Dunecraft had a great selection of kits and project - Gothy gardening, peanut kits, science kits and sand that can't get wet...
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 18, 2009 11:00 AM
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Advanced model train controls
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - Always a treat - Bachman trains, this year I marveled at how advanced the train controls are becoming, check this out!
E-Z Command® Dynamis® Wireless Digital Command System. E-Z Command® Dynamis® allows the operator total freedom by integrating two-way wireless technology into an advanced digital command control system. Using a unique toggle style joystick, both speed and selection of locomotive are controlled. A backlit LCD screen with graphical interface and easy-to-use menu buttons make operation and programming of up to 9,999 addresses and CV's simple and intuitive. The ten function buttons allow for one-touch operation of sound and lighting features. Turnout and accessory decoders can also be fully controlled by the Dynamis® system, giving you digital mastery of your railroad.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 18, 2009 10:45 AM
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My first lab - Microscopes for kids
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - "My First Lab" makes a ton of great microscopes, accessories and kits for inspiring the next generation of scientists out there. They also have a "blood and guts" slide set for studying your insides, good stuff.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 18, 2009 10:30 AM
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4M science kits
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - I really like 4M kits, specifically the soda bottle robot. Their entire line up is "green" and recycle / reuse themed. Here's a bit about them!
Since its inception in 1993, 4M specialises in producing creative play things for curious kids. Our team of design, based in Hong Kong, is dedicated to the development of fascinatingly creative and stimulating products which enliven kid's natural curiosity, giving them the opportunity to experiment in an exciting, but safe way; and more important, to inspire children's thoughts and experiences beyond even their own wildest dreams. In 2004, we were chosen by the Parents' Choice Foundation (US) as a Recommended Award Winner. This award was presented to 4M for the Kidz Labs/Super Magnet which exceeded the Foundation's standards. In the previous year, we were honored the Outstanding Performer of the Hong Kong Toy Design Competition for the following innovative quality products; Paint Your Own Piggy Bank, 3D Glow Solar System Mobile Making Kit and Dig & Play/The Lost Jungle. One of 4M's most prestigious accolades was given by the Science Museum (UK). Following a stringent selection process, the 200-year-old Museum approved a variety of our products. Each of these 4M products now bears, on its packaging, the logo of recommendation and approval by the Museum. From the drawing board to the finished product, we work to ensure the highest quality. Parents and educators trust our products because they are safe and well-designed.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 18, 2009 10:28 AM
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Triops - They kick sea monkey butt
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - Triops - They kick sea monkey butt, these things are creepy. Triops are shrimp that look like horseshoe crabs and date back to the Triassic Period in fossil records, they're also known as dinosaur shrimp -- you bring them back to life by adding water to the eggs of these "living dead" creatures.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 18, 2009 05:50 AM
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Kristal - Grow your own crystals
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - Kistal, these are quartz-looking crystals you grow yourself. The crystal growth can be sped up and slowed down depending on the temperature, they grow in 2 to 7 days, but can grow longer/bigger for as long as you keep them in the solution (or until it evaporates). They are beautiful and depending on the kit you can also learn about crystal growth experiments onboard the International Space Station.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 18, 2009 05:45 AM
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Thames & Kosmos - Science, chemistry & engineering kits for kids
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - One of our favorites, Thames & Kosmos Science kits... The big news for 2009 was the "Dangerous book for boys" books getting turned in to kits - I think this will be a trend for not only science/kid based books, but beyond.
The Dangerous Book for Boys: Classic Chemistry presents chemistry every child should know through fun, engaging, and impressive experiments and activities. Children ages eight and up learn about atoms, elements, compounds, and bonding. They experiment with chemical reactions involving acids and bases, indicators, electrochemistry, and various metals, metalloids, and nonmetals. The kit's 30 experiments also include making plastic, slime, a smoke bomb, and even a stink bomb (because, as may go without saying, stink bombs are essential chemistry learning for every child). Although updated for today's kids and current safety standards, parents and grandparents will appreciate this nostalgic kit.
A similar story, but for electronics, is The Dangerous Book for Boys: Essential Electronics. Designed for children ages eight and up, this kit uses 30 stimulating experiments and activities to teach classic electronics lessons. Children learn about electricity, conductors, circuits, voltage, current, and power, and experiment with resistance, capacitors, diodes, LEDs, and logical circuits. They build an electromagnet, an electric motor, a voltaic pile, a joy buzzer, and a vibrating bug. True to our Classic Science line, this kit will fascinate kids, parents, and grandparents alike.
Thames & Kosmos (T&K) was founded in 2001 with the mission of improving informal science education by publishing high-quality science and technology related educational products for children of all ages. T&K places an emphasis on teaching concepts and skills through hands-on modeling of real-world devices and processes, and by offering comprehensive, meaningful reading materials for a rich learning experience. T&K is headquartered in Portsmouth, R.I. Thames & Kosmos operates as the exclusive North American distributor for the science kit line of our partner company -- the 187-year-old, German-based publishing house, Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH. Kosmos has an existing line of high-quality science kits that T&K translates, rewrites and distributes in the English language. T&K has also started to design its own new science kits in 2005. Thames & Kosmos currently offers more than 60 science kits in eleven categories: Chemistry, Physics, Alternative Energy & Environmental Science, Technology & Electronics, Biology, Earth Science & Natural History, Fun & Fundamentals, Astronomy, Classic Science, Little Labs, and Sophisticated Science.We stock many of the Thames & Kosmos kits in the Maker Shed too!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 18, 2009 05:40 AM
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ÜBERSTIX - You need to recycle to use these kits/toys
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - Another past favorite, UBERSTIX - they make toys/kits that you need to recycle other things to build. Straws, ice cream sticks, paper clips, water bottles, egg cartons and more. Pictured here is a ship you build and use tossed cups/bottles to make it float, along with other trashed items to build the sail and more. It's called the Scavenger, nice. They also make ÜBERARC" - it's for budding architects, students and engineers - you can construct giant "emerald city" looking structures, unlike other building systems you get real blueprints in a tube. We liked these folks so much that we stock their kits in the Maker Shed!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 18, 2009 05:30 AM
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Be Amazing Diet Coke and Mentos kits - educational toys
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - it got a little weird. We've been doing MAKE for about 5 years now and from time to time you see some of the projects from the pages of MAKE, the site and Maker Faire appear as commercial products but "Be Amazing" told us it's part of their product development, they saud "We love Maker Faire, it's where we get our product ideas" and sure enough we saw a few... marshmallow launcher, a Diet Coke / Mentos tube (patent pending now it seems). Magnetic silly putty...
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 18, 2009 05:15 AM
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HEXBUG Micro robots
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - Not too much new stuff from HEXBUG this year - the only new product I saw was the "Inchworm" - which reminds me of the Gakken metal kit (also called Inchworm) we have at MAKE.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 18, 2009 05:05 AM
Robotics, Toys and Games |
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OWI Robotics
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - A returning favorite, OWI robotics - this year they introduced a slew of "green" robot kits as well as a USB controlled robot arm.
In 1980, OWI Incorporated, was looking for a way to expand its consumer product lines and bring its extensive technology background to the educational community. RobotiKits™ and OWIKits® were developed to affordably introduce students to robotics, science, and solar technology. The kits are available in five difficultly levels--ranging from beginners with no experience up to advanced circuit board soldering and mechanical assembly-- challenging builders from grade school to adult. In conjunction with educators, OWI Inc. has developed a fully structured teaching curriculum with modules tailored to the kit's unique electronic and mechanical features. OWI Inc. is a leading supplier of robotic, aluminum bug kits, building and solar kits to schools, science clubs, science education centers and science camps. The kits are available at hobby, educational, toy and museum stores nationwide.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 18, 2009 05:00 AM
Robotics, Toys and Games |
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Snap circuits
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - a favorite each year, Snap Circuits from Elenco. We like these kits so much for teaching kids we have them in the Maker Shed too! The one pictured above isn't out yet, it's "green" alternative energy - the circuits are powered by: solar power, wind power, crank power, chemical/battery power and america power.
And... There's also Snap-Micro. A snap circuit version of doing projects with a micro-controller, I couldn't figure out the chip was, but once it's shipping I'll look it up.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 17, 2009 04:02 PM
Electronics, Toys and Games |
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The Erector set is now a talking iPod dock robot
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - many of us know Erector as the iconic metal building "toy" for kids.
Erector Set is the trade name of a toy construction set that was wildly popular in the United States during much of the 20th century. Like Meccano that was patented in 1901, it consists of collections of small metal beams with regular holes for nuts, bolts, screws, and mechanical parts such as pulleys, gears, and small electric motors. The Erector Set was invented by A.C. Gilbert in 1911, and was manufactured by the A. C. Gilbert Company at the Erector Square factory in New Haven, Connecticut, from 1913 until its bankruptcy in 1967.That was then and this is now... In the USA "Erector" is now the SPYKEE an iPod dock robot that can talk and turn off TVs, it's also a WiFi spy robot that can make me very depressed it seems, amazing!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 17, 2009 03:31 PM
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Retro gaming @ The Toy Fair
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - there are rows of Chinese-speaking-only vendors who are indeed selling something, I just wasn't sure what. Above are some photos from a retro gaming booth, it seems like these devices can play just about every retro console game made but it's was hard to tell exactly what was going on.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 17, 2009 03:30 PM
Retro |
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3D scanning with a web cam and projector
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - One of the more interesting companies was 3D3 solutions, they use off the shelf web cams and presentation projectors to make a 3D model, you can see me getting 3D scanned above - good stuff and not as expensive as many of the other commercial packages.
FlexScan3D is an innovative non-contact 3D scanning software system that takes 3D measurements and creates digital 3D models directly from physical objects. The software is ideal for measuring complex shapes quickly. FlexScan3D is the world's only fully customizable 3D scanning system that scans objects using off-the-shelf hardware components. It is a cost effective solution that is versatile in many applications. How FlexScan3D scanning works: Using one or two digital cameras and a white light (presentation) projector FlexScan3D will scan a wide range of objects, faces, and body parts quickly and accurately. The projector or laser puts reference patterns on to the scan target to aid accurate digitalization. The scene is captured using a camera or video camera. FlexScan3D's 3D triangulation engine takes these images and creates millions of measurements of the scene. The process to acquire the data needed to create a 3D model is then completed in seconds. The 3D scan data is used in industrial design, reverse engineering, visual effects, and biomedical industries. Automated 3D capture drastically reduces the time and cost in capturing complex physical measurements.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 17, 2009 03:20 PM
News from the Future, Toys and Games |
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Ticklish plants
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - We stopped by and visited our pals who sell the plants you can tickle... When you touch them, they "curl up" a bit, it's very cute. The TickleMe Plant has also been called the "Shy Plant", "Humble Plant", "Sleeping Grass", "Touch-Me-Not", "Noli Me Tangere" , "Sensitive Plant" and "Modest Princess." Mimosa pudica is its scientific name. Mark the owner has a bit of history on their site...
When my brother Larry and I were children, we would show our friends our TickleMe Plants and watch the looks of disbelief and excitement on their faces. Growing TickleMe Plants from seeds was then and still is a magical experience for us. Throughout our lives, we continued to grow our own TickleMe Plants. I became a science teacher and over my 30 years of teaching have had many budding scientists experience the joy of raising their own TickleMe Plants. Larry and I decided to form the TickleMe Plant Company, so that we could make the TickleMe Plant experience available to all people young and old. Many children (and adults) have never been exposed to the joy and importance of plants. Watching a plant grow and move can be an unforgettable experience. We don't want children and those young at heart, to lose "touch" with our living world. What better adventure than to raise their own TickleMe Plant from seed? A great experience for everyone! Growing a TickleMe Plant is the perfect gift for someone who wants to share their love of nature and gardening! In addition, we donate 1% of all profits after taxes to The Nature Conservancy's program, 'Adopt an Acre'®, to save the rainforest.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 17, 2009 03:00 PM
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HDX 1000 - Analyzer for toxic metals in toys
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - There were a few dozen "lead testing" companies, but I think I liked the HDX 1000 lead tester from XOS the most... It's a portable X-Ray machine for the most part and their interface / set up seemed pretty solid.
XOS, a manufacturer of x-ray analytical equipment and x-ray optics introduces the HDX 1000 Toy Analyzer, powered by our High Definition X-Ray Fluorescence (HD XRF) technology. The new HDX 1000 Toy Analyzer is a cost-effective way to quantify lead well below 90 ppm in painted surfaces, ensuring your products meet new global regulations. The HDX 1000 features the ability to distinguish paint layers from base material, small spot capabilities, low limits of detection for 10 toxic metals, and non-destructive measurements. All our analyzers are very easy to operate and are designed for use in factories, independent test labs, retail outlets, and inventory warehouses.On a related note, in China the head of the toy company that caused all these problems a couple years ago with with lead paint in Mattel's toys committed suicide. There were a lot of reports saying it was "suicide or execution" - with all the banking hijinks and the recent deaths from contaminated peanuts here in the USA it's interesting to note our very different systems and social pressures when things go incredible bad.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 17, 2009 02:30 PM
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Ecotronics - Hand crank powered toys
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - "Ecotronics" - Hand crank powered toys (sorry, not web site it seems) had an assortment of hand torches (flash lights) and toys that kids crank to power / store energy. One was a game, another was a microphone / noise maker, we're seeing a lot of the commercial applications of crank/squeeze power hitting the toy arena lately.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 17, 2009 01:15 PM
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ScienceWiz - Educational science kits for kids
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - We saw our pals from ScienceWiz, I'm a fan of their Electricity kit and Chemistry kit for kids, check'em out... Book/magazine/kit all rolled up in to one...
Each of the ScienceWiz™ kits is appropriate for a specific age range and covers a specific topic in science. Tested and refined over many years in school enrichment programs throughout Berkeley Unified and in exclusive private schools in California. Beautiful step-by-step instructions and child appropriate materials encourage independent learning through play.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 17, 2009 12:00 PM
Science, Toys and Games |
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Mountain Boy Sledworks - Handmade wooden sleds & wagons
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - I really liked seeing Mountain Boy Sledworks - Handmade wooden sleds & wagons - unlike the cheap plastic RadioFlyer wagons and Cheap-mart special these sleds and wagons are handmade in Colorado and are built to last - My favorite was the "citrus scooter"...
We are working hard to minimize the impact of all of our operations on the environment. Some key elements include: Using only recycled cardboard packaging. Choosing only fast-growing, common, sustainable hardwoods such as birch, willow and maple. Ensuring that every part of the wood is used. Smaller pieces are turned into kicksled slats or Christmas ornaments, and the smallest bits end up in our woodstove or in the wood-drying kiln. Just as important, making products that last! We think it makes sense to buy a sled (or wagon or scooter) that will last for years, rather than buying a cheaper sled that won't last nearly as long.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 17, 2009 10:50 AM
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Timberkits - Amazing wood sculptures you build yourself
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - We met the folks from Timberkits last year and liked them so much we had them out to Maker Faire - they were at the Toy Fair this year and we stopped by to say hi - there are a few new build-it-yourself wood sculptures, check'em out!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 17, 2009 10:30 AM
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Orbitwheels - mono wheeled rollerblades
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - Inventist's Orbitwheels are a blast and I want a pair - the inventor of them is also the maker behind the AquaSkipper.
Like a cross between a skateboard and inline skates, but with more freedom and simplicity than either, the Orbitwheel is a brand new concept for wheeled sports.
The design is simple: two feet, two wheels... and you're ready to go. The Orbitwheel's concept is basic, but with the wheels whirling around your feet, you are capable of countless tricks and maneuvers that can be as complex and creative as you can come up with.
With the Orbitwheel's minimalistic design, fun and transportation have never been so portable and convenient. The large wheel radius enables you to enjoy the Wheelblazer on a variety of different surfaces. The two thin, light wheels require no folding down or taking apart, making them easy to slip into a backpack or carry in your hand. And when you're ready to get going again, you don't need to fuss with buckles and flaps - just step into the hoops and take off.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 17, 2009 10:25 AM
Toys and Games |
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The Unitech Fun Fly Stick
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - The Unitech "Fun Fly Stick" Magic levitation wand made the rounds on the web awhile ago but this is the first time I've seen it in person. It looks like some type of after dinner game Superman's Dad keeps around for entertainment - seeing adults in suits play with this is a hoot. Any way, many makers I know out there just want to take these apart and tinker with them - it's a small battery operated static charge generator, the tinsel-like material is repelled once it has a negative charge from touching the stick (like charges repel, opposites attract) - electrostatic propulsion. I fully expect an Arduino project with these soon...
Wizards of all ages have now an incredible opportunity to get a real levitation wand of their own. Five special flying toys are included in the set. Mesmerizing levitation is captivating for everyone observing. Enjoy levitating incredible metallic-looking shapes and learn physics in the process without even realizing it! Illustrated full-color Magic Wand Manual provided with the set offers tons of tips and tricks for becoming a better wizard.I'd like it if they said "better scientist" but Wizard might be more attractive to kids to align with Harry Potter or something...
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 17, 2009 10:16 AM
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Eitech - The "Erector set" is back
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - The "Erector" brand is still around, but sadly it's in name only (they sell robot iPod docks now, I'm not kidding). I'll have a post with those robots later today but we did discover the idea of the "Erector" set is back and it's coming from a German company called "eitech".
They have building packs, projects and straight up bags of parts. These were one of my favorite "toys" at the Toy Fair this year. Sturdy, smart, cold, metal and German. Here's a bit about them and their products from their site...
Our world of brands is characterised by high quality products "made in Germany". Whether young or old everyone can playfully gain experience in the world of the technology. EITECH creative metal building sets promote the motor function, creativity and adaptability. From the Beginner - Set to the Experiment-Set our component systems are high appreciated by children, parents, grandparents, teachers and engineers. All component systems and construction units are sheetingable with one another and expandable. From a easy and safe assembly by means of classical screwing technology guarantee stable metal designs result. With most of the Metal Building Sets you can bulit up different models.
From 5 years onward we recommend to start with our BEGINNER component system set. Here your children build and fit with agefair tools and large volume plastic parts. The detailed step- by- step- instructions help to assemble the models successfully. Each component system contains a toy figure additionally.
With the CONSTRUCTION SETS you can start at the age between 6 - 8 years. Graduated by degrees of difficulty metal buliding set assortment accompanies your whole technical designer life. Depending upon your kit from simple to most fastidious close-to-reality- models can be built with more than 2500 parts. Due to all construction units being sheetingable with one another, the creativity of the young engineer encounter no borders. With most of the models the technical designers learn the functionality of different drive systems in detail additionally .
The Experiment Sets give an idea of the fundamental technical and electronic functions which are founded in the world of technology. Complex functions of transmissions and electro-technology can be illustrated by properly fitting components. Recommended to start from 8 years onward an amusement of light, sound and movement.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 17, 2009 09:45 AM
Toys and Games |
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Junior Tradesman - A bucket of bricks
@NYC Toy Fair 2009 - Junior Tradesman, I like these - sure they're a bucket of tiny clay bricks but that's the point. Kids learn how to make brick structures use "brick mix" to keep them together, besides inspiring kids for an important skill these would be fun for art projects for adults too. It would be nice to see some updating of the term "Tradesman" most of the women I know are better brick layers than the guys (Junior Tradesperson? Doesn't have the same ring to it I suppose).
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 17, 2009 09:20 AM
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Photos and videos from the NYC Toy Fair 2009
Over the next day we'll have all of our coverage from the NYC Toy Fair 2009 (MAKE style) - if you want to skip ahead and view the photo and videos here's where to get'em... above a slide show.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 17, 2009 09:15 AM
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MAKE @ The NYC Toy Fair 2009
MAKE is @ The NYC Toy Fair 2009 - thousands of toy makers come here each year to show off their latest - our lens on this show is a lot different than any coverage you'll see anywhere else - stay tuned for posts, images and videos of unique MAKE-style products. DIY kits, science kits, engineering, weird and bizarre -- things you'll see no where else! We'll be reporting live over the next few days, come back early and come back often!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 17, 2009 09:00 AM
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MAKE @ The Toyfair in NYC - first stop Thames & Kosmos
MAKE will be at the NYC Toy Fair 2009 - last year we had some MASSIVE coverage from the event and hope to bring you a DIY/Science view of the show again, while we skip a lot of the "toys" we do head right for the science and learning companies - last year one of our favorite companies was Thames & Kosmos - they'll be our first stop this year. Check out their kits here and the ones we stock in our science section in the Maker Shed. Pictured here, Stephanie from Thames & Kosmos - they asked if we'd be there and we asked for some photos of the new kits in action!
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Feb 12, 2009 05:00 AM
Science, Toys and Games |
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