Hexbugs from Innovation First are autonomous, high-speed micro robotic creatures.  Each bug ranging from the Ant to the Inchworm has its own light and sound sensors that control different features.  In each bug, button cell batteries are included.

 

Like a crustacean from the ocean floor, the Hexbug Crab walks sideways and upon entering a dim area, will stop to hide in the dark.  Users can control its movement by making a loud noise or clapping, scaring it out of hiding or sending it in another direction.  The Hexbug Crab is available in various colors including cobalt, teal, green, red and black.

 

The Hexbug Inchworm is a micro-sized robotic creature with complete seven-way steering and looping type body.  The Inchworm uses an infrared (IR) controller, allowing the player to direct its crawl movements forward, backward, left and right (batteries are included for the remote as well).  The controller for the Inchworm is outfitted with two channels so that two bugs can operate independently at the same time.  The Hexbug Inchworm is available in various translucent colors including red, black, cobalt, green and plum.

 

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY RATINGS

EASE OF USE So easy that they don't even have to include instructions!  When starting to use the Hexbug Crab, the kids just had to figure out where the light sensors are and how loud they need to be to "scare" him.  It was a little challenging at first, but certainly not what our team would call difficult.  The remote control on the Hexbug Inchworm was a bit different from standard remote controls that our users were used to, however, like the crab, not too tough to figure out.

DURABILITY A bit delicate, but look as if they've been fairly well-made.  Since they can't really be kept in the original package there's a definite chance (cause they're remarkably small) that the Hexbug Crab or Inchworm could end up crushed - so, if you end up with one, be sure your kid has a specific place to keep it when not being played with.  Additionally, our reviewers noted with regard to the Inchworm - the remote control is super-small - if your kids loses it, the toy will pretty much be unusable - so again, be sure there's a place for safe-keeping.

VISUAL APPEAL The translucent exoskeleton give these little bugs some character.  Our panel agreed that they can definitely be considered "cute bugs", but not some that screams "amazing".

FUNCTIONALITY Let's start with this - they do what they're intended to.  The Hexbug Crab moves based on its sensitivity to light and sound while the Inchworm reacts well to the remote control, shifting in multiple directions as guided.  Here was the biggest issue - most of our older kids (within the recommended age) lost interest fairly quickly - while the robot was fun for a little bit, the novelty definitely wore off.  What we found?  It really entertained the younger ones that were around (well below the recommended age) - obviously, they're too young to play with them on their own and must be well-supervised, however they were an absolute attention-getter.

COST EFFICIENCY The priced "bugged" our panel just a little - both the Crab and the Inchworm are just a few dollars more than what our reviewers think they should be.  It's not often that our reviewers would pay as much as the retail price for anything - so no surprises here!

ORIGINALITY Our panel referred to the Hexbugs as a itsy-bitsy, mini-robots - they're very small and cute in their own unique way.  Without doubt they're original in kids electronics - something different meant to entertain our kids.

OVERALL RATING

Have a kid who just loves robots and has all the big ones?  One of these little ones would add something different to the mix!  Also a plus - the translucent exoskeleton reminds kids that there's really something working inside to enable the robot to do what it does!