A modular sensing device and method of operating a smart home device includes initiating a control mode from a plurality of modes on the modular sensing device, where the control mode determines a manner in which user gestures are interpreted. Based on initiating the control mode, a connection with the smart home device can be established. Furthermore, the modular sensing device and method can further include receiving sensor data corresponding to the user gestures, translating the sensor data into a corresponding control command, and transmitting the control command to the smart home device. The corresponding control command can be executable to control the smart home device in accordance with the user gesture.

In one embodiment there is provided an aquatic toy configured for movement under water. The aquatic toy employs sensors to automatically turn on when placed in water and further employs a timing circuit to automatically turn the toy off after a predetermined amount of time. The aquatic toy further includes a shock sensor to monitor movement of the toy when in water and after the timer expires. Movement such as tapping on the tank, splashing the water, or physical movement of the toy will turn on the toy and re-activate the timer. However, the sensors can further detect when the toy is dry to ensure the shock sensor is only active when the sensor is wet.

In one embodiment there is provided an aquatic toy configured for movement under water. The aquatic toy employs sensors to automatically turn on when placed in water and further employs a timing circuit to automatically turn the toy off after a predetermined amount of time. The aquatic toy further includes a shock sensor to monitor movement of the toy when in water and after the timer expires. Movement such as tapping on the tank, splashing the water, or physical movement of the toy will turn on the toy and re-activate the timer. However, the sensors can further detect when the toy is dry to ensure the shock sensor is only active when the sensor is wet.

A vibration-powered device adapted for flotation and propulsion on an upper surface in a liquid. The device having a body with a top side adapted to be at least partially disposed above the surface of the liquid, and a bottom side adapted to be at least partially submerged below the surface of the liquid. A vibration mechanism is disposed in the body. A propulsion fin is connected to the body. The fin includes a top side adapted to be disposed at least partially above the liquid surface, a bottom side adapted to be disposed at least partially below the surface. The vibration mechanism is adapted to oscillate the free distal end of the propulsion fin upward and downward.

A vibration-powered device adapted for flotation and propulsion on an upper surface in a liquid. The device having a body with a top side adapted to be at least partially disposed above the surface of the liquid, and a bottom side adapted to be at least partially submerged below the surface of the liquid. A vibration mechanism is disposed in the body. A propulsion fin is connected to the body. The fin includes a top side adapted to be disposed at least partially above the liquid surface, a bottom side adapted to be disposed at least partially below the surface. The vibration mechanism is adapted to oscillate the free distal end of the propulsion fin upward and downward.

A system comprising a self-propelled device and an accessory device. The self-propelled device includes a spherical housing, and a drive system provided within the spherical housing to cause the self-propelled device to roll. When the self-propelled device rolls, the self-propelled device and the accessory device magnetically interact to maintain the accessory device in contact with a top position of the spherical housing relative to an underlying surface on which the spherical housing is rolling on.

A system comprising a self-propelled device and an accessory device. The self-propelled device includes a spherical housing, and a drive system provided within the spherical housing to cause the self-propelled device to roll. When the self-propelled device rolls, the self-propelled device and the accessory device magnetically interact to maintain the accessory device in contact with a top position of the spherical housing relative to an underlying surface on which the spherical housing is rolling on.

Economical toy vehicles powered by stored elastic energy. In one embodiment, an economical toy vehicle includes: a vehicle body; an axle rotatably attached to the vehicle body; a gear integrally affixed to the axle such that rotation of the gear causes rotation of the axle; at least one slotted member integrally affixed to the axle, the slotted member including at least one slot; a hook-pinion assembly characterized by a hook integrally adjoined to a pinion; where the hook-pinion assembly is rotatably attached to the vehicle body; where the pinion is interlockingly engaged with the gear affixed to the axle; and a rubber band detachably attached to the vehicle body on a first end and detachably attached to the hook at a second end, such that the at least one slot can be used to rotate the axle, consequently resulting in the application of a torsional force to the rubber band.

An underwater robotic device includes a housing unit, a control unit and a propelling unit. The housing unit includes a base seat and an upper cover in liquid-tight engagement with the base seat. The control unit is disposed within the housing unit and includes a circuit module and a center-of-gravity transferring module which is electronically connected with the circuit module. The center-of-gravity transferring module has a movable weight member and a transfer driving mechanism which drives movement of the weight member so as to vary a position of a center of gravity of the underwater robotic device and to control downward and upward moving directions of the underwater robotic device in the water. The propelling unit is connected with the housing unit and is electronically connected with the control unit to produce a propelling force to move the underwater robotic device forward in the water.

An underwater robotic device includes a housing unit, a control unit and a propelling unit. The housing unit includes a base seat and an upper cover in liquid-tight engagement with the base seat. The control unit is disposed within the housing unit and includes a circuit module and a center-of-gravity transferring module which is electronically connected with the circuit module. The center-of-gravity transferring module has a movable weight member and a transfer driving mechanism which drives movement of the weight member so as to vary a position of a center of gravity of the underwater robotic device and to control downward and upward moving directions of the underwater robotic device in the water. The propelling unit is connected with the housing unit and is electronically connected with the control unit to produce a propelling force to move the underwater robotic device forward in the water.