Remember those toys in the '80s that you could place next to a radio, and then they'd "dance" or move based on the sound waves that were produced (dancing flower, or a dancing dog or cat)? Get ready for the next generation, courtesy of Tiger Electronics.
Debuting this week at the Tokyo Toy Show is the A.M.P., which stands for Automated music Personality. After plugging in an MP3 player to the back of the device, the mobile robotic music companion can blast your music through a high-quality stereo sound system and also "show off some of his best dance moves." The AMP is 29 inches tall, and includes chrome detailing and black and yellow exterior. The robot includes more than 62 sound effects, dance moves and 49 expressive LED light animations.
The device includes "dynamic balancing technology" that allows it to dance and roll while balanced on two wheels, and also has a dedicated bass boost button. A remote control is included, and the robot has distinctive touch pads that let you add different sound effects to the tunes.
The AMP is expected to be available nationwide in October, with an estimated price of $500, which seems really high, but I'd have to see the robot's dance moves in action before I plunked down that much. Maybe if the AMP could do the Thriller dance, then I'd reconsider.
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