A transformable building block comprises a body configured to receive a connector post or other portion of another building element, an appendage movably coupled to the body, and a post configured to protrude from the body and retract into the body. Inserting a connector post into the body of the transformable building block may cause the appendage to move and the post to protrude from the body. Removing the connector post from the body may cause the post to retract into the body.

Described is a toy figure with activated components that are activated by wearable accessories. For example, a wearable ring can be positioned onto a toy figure as a mask or helmet, such that upon positioning the wearable ring upon the toy figure, the toy figure is activated to perform a function. The function is an action, such as causing the toy figure to reveal or expose a toy weapon (e.g., sword, gun, etc.), thereby allowing a user to engage in a variety of game play.

A robot includes: a body part capable of contacting a placement surface; a head part connected to a front end of the body part to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation extending in a front-back direction of the body part and rotatable about a second axis of rotation extending in a width direction of the body part, and capable of contacting the placement surface; a drive unit which performs a rotation about the first axis of rotation and a rotation about the second axis of rotation independently of each other to drive the head part; and a processor which controls the drive unit to perform preparation control to rotate the head part about the second axis of rotation by a preparation angle and vibration control to alternately repeat forward rotation and reverse rotation of the head part about the first axis of rotation.

Empathy toward a robot is increased by the robot emulating human-like or animal-like behavior. A robot includes a movement determining unit that determines a direction of movement, an action determining unit that selects a gesture from multiple kinds of gesture, and a drive mechanism that executes a specified movement and gesture. When a user enters a hall, an external sensor installed in advance detects a return home, and notifies the robot via a server that the user has returned home. The robot heads to the hall, and welcomes the user home by performing a gesture indicating goodwill, such as sitting down and raising an arm.

The invention relates to an interactive backpack comprising a backpack body which in turn includes a figure of a character, the backpack also comprising: audio means for recording and reproducing sound; a movable part; mechanical means for moving the movable part; and control means comprising an actuator disposed in a position on the body of the backpack which is linked to the figure of the character, the actuator being configured to initiate sound recording and automatic reproduction of the recorded sound.

The present invention relates an action robot including at least one joint. The action robot may include: a joint configured to allow a movable part to be rotatably connected to a main body; a joint elastic member configured to provide elastic force in a direction in which the joint is unfolded; a wire connected to the movable part to pull the movable part in a direction in which the joint is folded; a rotation link which is disposed within the main body and to which the wire is connected, the rotation link rotating about a rotation shaft; an elevation rod configured to press the rotation link upward so that the rotation link rotates; and a driving source configured to allow the elevation rod to move upward. The main body may include: a first body in which the rotation link is built; and a second body which is separably coupled to the first body and in which at least a portion of the elevation rod is built.

The present invention relates an action robot including at least one joint. The action robot may include: a joint configured to allow a movable part to be rotatably connected to a main body; a joint elastic member configured to provide elastic force in a direction in which the joint is unfolded; a wire connected to the movable part to pull the movable part in a direction in which the joint is folded; a rotation link which is disposed within the main body and to which the wire is connected, the rotation link rotating about a rotation shaft; an elevation rod configured to press the rotation link upward so that the rotation link rotates; and a driving source configured to allow the elevation rod to move upward. The main body may include: a first body in which the rotation link is built; and a second body which is separably coupled to the first body and in which at least a portion of the elevation rod is built.

The present disclosure relates generally to an electromagnetic animated figure control system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to techniques for actuating a figure, such as a plush toy, using addressable control nodes (e.g., electromagnetic coils) of an electromagnetic array. For example, an amusement park may include a control surface implemented to include the electromagnetic array. Further, an animated figure may include magnets in one or more components. Accordingly, while the animated figure may lack a power source, the animated figure may be controlled (e.g., actuated) via a controlled magnetic interaction between the control surface and the magnets.

Many devices with “limbs” or “arms” are susceptible to damage when a user bends or twists a joint of the limb or arm beyond its design point or in a direction other than intended. This is common with children's toys. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide children with toys employing fluidic actuators that can be bent, twisted, deformed and yet recover subsequently allowing the intended motion to be performed. Further, it would be beneficial by providing devices that employ fluidic actuators, and hence are essentially non-mechanical, to provide users not only of toys but other devices with driving mechanisms that are not susceptible to wear-out such as, by stripping drive gears, etc., thereby increasing their reliability and reducing noise. Fluidic devices allow for high efficiency, high power to size ratio, low cost, limited or single moving part(s) and allow for mechanical springless designs as well as functional reduction by providing a piston which is both pump and vibrator.

Many devices with “limbs” or “arms” are susceptible to damage when a user bends or twists a joint of the limb or arm beyond its design point or in a direction other than intended. This is common with children's toys. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide children with toys employing fluidic actuators that can be bent, twisted, deformed and yet recover subsequently allowing the intended motion to be performed. Further, it would be beneficial by providing devices that employ fluidic actuators, and hence are essentially non-mechanical, to provide users not only of toys but other devices with driving mechanisms that are not susceptible to wear-out such as, by stripping drive gears, etc., thereby increasing their reliability and reducing noise. Fluidic devices allow for high efficiency, high power to size ratio, low cost, limited or single moving part(s) and allow for mechanical springless designs as well as functional reduction by providing a piston which is both pump and vibrator.