Way back in my high school days, long before Al Gore claimed he helped invent the Internet, I helped build a robotic insect out of R/C car parts, a light sensor, and a circuit board from the local electronic store. Today, instead of spending hours soldering parts in hopes of getting something that works, Bandai saves you the trouble with Hex Bugs.

Each of these five colorful insects scurry around like the real deal, and instead of overrunning you when you enter the kitchen, a clap of the hands is all it takes to get the toy to change direction. The Hex Bug runs on a small battery, avoids obstacles, and will retail for $16 when released later this year. Sadly, like my robotic insect from the 80s, the Hex Bug will not help you get an A in science class. — Stephen Schleicher

Bandai, via Technabob