We tried out Sphero’s R2-D2 and BB-9E robots which are guaranteed to wow nerdy grown-ups – but are they too expensive for kids?
WHEN I was a lad, we could only dream of playing with a real life robot like R2-D2.
Now many ex-children's fantasies may have finally come true with the release of a super-advanced new plaything based on the lovable Star Wars 'droid.
The "connected toy" firm Sphero has just unleashed an app-controlled version of R2-D2, Luke Skywalker's favourite robot, and his evil chum BB-9E, a ball-like 'bot from The Last Jedi, a new film due for release in December.
Both these loveable machines can be controlled using free iPhone or Android app which allows you to steer the machines around or put them into patrol mode so they automatically wander around your house.
There are also "expression" controls which allow you to make R2-D2 emit his famous beeps and warbles and even fall flat on his back, just like he did in the films.
The R2-D2 'droid is definitely my favourite of the pair, capturing the timeless cuteness of the rebellious machine which was introduced in the first Star Wars film.
When you first switch him on, he'll just stand on two legs uttering various "beeps and boops".
When you try to steer, a little leg pops out of his body and R2-D2 speeds around on three wheels.
This loveable 'droid will warm the cockles of nostalgic Star Wars fans - but is cute enough to appeal to anyone who hasn't seen the films as well.
The ball-shaped BB-9E is also very cool.
It's much faster than the relatively slow R2-D2, nipping along at a tremendous speed.
It's so speedy, in fact, that I kept knocking the poor robot's head off when I inevitably steered him into a wall.
The BB-9E is not as instantly recognisable as R2-D2, but its breakneck speed makes it even more fun to play with.
Both toys are powered by batteries which last about an hour and can be charged by plugging them into a USB port.
For me, however, there is one major problem with Sphero's "app-enabled toys": you need a smartphone to use them.
If you're a 35-year-old who wants to scoot the robots around your mum's basement, then this isn't a problem.
But if you're a parent this is a bit of a pain because you need to hand your reckless offspring a pricey smartphone so they can play with their toy.
Without the app, you can't get the toys to do anything at all and they are little more than expensive plastic dolls.
However, the lack of a fixed controller allows Sphero to add more features through software updates, so many parents might not be bothered about handing their son or daughter a smartphone.
Another issue is the price: and .
Nerdy grown-ups who simply NEED to have their own R2-D2 will be able to shoulder this cost.
Kids, on the other hand, will have to use the force of their parents' credit card to buy one of the pricey toys, which are made even more expensive by the Brexit-bashed value of the pound.
Apart from these two grumbles though, I would heartily recommend both 'bots to anyone who can afford them.
They are definitely the 'droids Star Wars fans have been looking for - and they will give everyone else a smile too.
