What is it? It's a build-your-own customisable R2 unit - just like the one out of Star Wars. Yes, seriously. Littlebits, a New York tech company's first toy, has knocked it out of the park with its Droid Inventor Kit, which is perfect for big kids and little kids. Look at it sitting on the table after your kids have gone to bed and try not to fire it up. Just try. It's impossible.
What does it do? Unlike Sphero's Star Wars toys, which range from BB-8, BB-9E and R2-D2 and come ready-made, Littlebits gives you all the parts you need to build your very own droid. Once you've done that, you can drive it around, give it tasks like drawing pictures or dragging objects, and tinker until your techy heart is content. Or you can do what my son did and set it on patrol mode outside your bedroom. Try and venture inside, and you'll get a telling off in blips and bleeps.
What do they say? "We've created a gender-inclusive product that celebrates kids' own self-expression and ingenuity while showcasing the same characteristics of imagination, grit and invention that are embodied in the Star Wars franchise," says Littlebits founder and CEO Ayah Bdeir.
What's in the box? Casings, wires, boxes, stickers, droid heads, buttons and wires. It all looks messy until you download the app - don't worry, it's easy peasy - and start putting your droid together. There are plenty of different options to spark up your imagination and individualise it. Remember to take your time: building your R2 unit is half the fun - or more.
