The Bug Racer Car is Steered By Real Crickets
Rahul Kalvapalle — December 11, 2015 — Tech
References: bugracercar & gizmag
The Bug Racer is a toy car that isn't controlled by a remote control, but by real live crickets.
The car is embedded with a plastic, removable 'cricket habitat' that can be taken out when the car isn't being used. The cricket habitat has room for food and holes to allow the critters to breathe. When you're ready to get the car going, all you have to do is turn the power on. Motion sensors located at the front of the car will detect the crickets' movements and steer the toy accordingly -- so if the cricket wanders to the right side of the control area, the car turns right.
Crickets aren't known to be great drivers, which is why the Bug Racer is capable of backing up a bit whenever it finds itself blocked by an obstacle.
The Bug Racer costs only $30, though you'll have to supply your own crickets. If you're into critters and cars, this toy will represent a dream come true.
The car is embedded with a plastic, removable 'cricket habitat' that can be taken out when the car isn't being used. The cricket habitat has room for food and holes to allow the critters to breathe. When you're ready to get the car going, all you have to do is turn the power on. Motion sensors located at the front of the car will detect the crickets' movements and steer the toy accordingly -- so if the cricket wanders to the right side of the control area, the car turns right.
Crickets aren't known to be great drivers, which is why the Bug Racer is capable of backing up a bit whenever it finds itself blocked by an obstacle.
The Bug Racer costs only $30, though you'll have to supply your own crickets. If you're into critters and cars, this toy will represent a dream come true.
Trend Themes
1. Interactive Toy Cars - The Bug Racer demonstrates the trend of interactive toy cars that can be controlled by unconventional means.
2. Living Creatures as Controllers - The Bug Racer showcases the emerging trend of using living creatures like crickets as controllers for toys and gadgets.
3. Motion Sensor Technology - The Bug Racer highlights the trend of utilizing motion sensors to detect movements and steer toys, opening opportunities for innovative applications.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - The Bug Racer presents an opportunity for toy manufacturers to explore the production of interactive toys using living creatures as controllers.
2. Pet Care - The Bug Racer offers an innovative way for the pet care industry to engage and entertain pets with interactive toys that involve insects like crickets as controllers.
3. Motion Sensor Technology - The Bug Racer creates potential for motion sensor technology companies to expand into the toy industry, developing motion-controlled toys that use unique controllers.
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