CES 2014 was like an invasion of robots. Robot vacum cleaners, robot’s that let you virtually work in the office, robots that followed you around, robotic vehicles and MiP by WowWee.

Short for Mobile Inverted Pendulum, MiP is the latest innovation by WowWee, and the first in association with the Coordinated Robotics Lab at the University of California, San Diego.  With its unique dual-wheel balancing, MiP is a fully interactive robot friend able to navigate its surroundings while controlled by hand movements using GestureSense™ technology.  Or, control MiP using a Bluetooth link to any smart device running MiP’s free app.  MiP has an inquisitive and responsive personality that is communicated through motion, sound, and its LED “eyes”… You can drive MiP, play games, or teach MiP to dance! Attach its tray accessory, and MiP can balance multiple objects while moving or standing still, including another MiP!

“WowWee’s approach to Robotics is really reaching beyond the toy industry and towards a broader audience,” said WowWee Canada president Richard Yanofsky.  “Our goal is to deliver original and relevant product and we feel we have delivered in 2014 with MiP.”

WowWee USA president Peter Yanofsky added, “The partnership between WowWee and UC San Diego is going to yield some amazing and dynamic product in the years to come. We are very excited to be on the cutting edge of this ideation and execution, beginning with the amazing MiP!”

Professor Thomas Bewley, director of the Coordinated Robotics Lab at UC San Diego, remarked, “The balanced partnership between our innovative academic team at UCSD and the creative product development team at WowWee is fun, synergetic, and unstoppable!”

We got a chance to talk with Dave Malacrida about MiP. We also got to see MiP do a few cool tricks. This is definitely one of the cooler app controlled toys out there and you’ll be able to find it soon.