Robosen, in partnership with Hasbro, recently unveiled a new line of Transformers robots, focusing on vintage characters from the franchise. The latest to be released is the Bumblebee G1 Performance robot, which captures the retro essence of the 1984 original cartoon series. The robot is more positioned for collectors rather than children, offering a unique blend of retro design and modern technology.
The Bumblebee G1 Performance robot stands approximately 13.5 inches tall and features a design that closely resembles the original Generation 1 (G1) cartoon character. It includes retro elements such as antenna-like “horns” and light-up eyes and feet, which recall the Volkswagen Beetle hood. Although it cannot convert into a vehicle, a feature that sets it apart from Robosen’s Optimus Prime figures, Bumblebee provides an engaging experience with its retro movements and authentic sounds. The robot is also voiced by Dan Gilvezan, who originally voiced Bumblebee in the 1980s cartoons, which gives it a nostalgic touch.
A feature that sets the Bumblebee G1 Performance apart is its control system. Users can interact with the robot using voice commands or by using a companion app for Android and iOS smartphones. The app allows for simple Bluetooth connectivity and an easy-to-use interface to control the movements and actions of Bumblebee. The app even includes a “mini theater” mode that will allow users to program and enact small skits with multiple robots, including Optimus Prime, in a new interactive experience.
The design of Bumblebee focuses on action poses and movement, with programmable walking speeds and the ability to reach high-difficulty poses like single-leg squats and side kicks. It has the ability to automatically stand up if it tips over through its high-accuracy gyroscope and adaptive gait algorithm. The robot is constructed from materials like ABS, aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, nylon glass fiber, and polycarbonate for stability and durability.
The Bumblebee G1 Performance robot is priced at $399, significantly lower than Robosen’s Optimus Prime robots, which range from $699 to $1,200. This is because it does not have the transformation feature, which is a hallmark of the Optimus Prime robots. Despite the absence of this feature, Bumblebee offers a compelling choice for fans of the Transformers franchise, particularly those who appreciate the nostalgia of the G1 series.
Robosen’s collaboration with Hasbro is ongoing, and they look to develop their range of Transformers robots further as they gauge market reactions. The reception of static models such as Bumblebee might dictate product lines going forward, and it could mean more characters being added under similar styles. Until then, the Bumblebee G1 Performance robot serves as proof that the Transformers brand has something for everyone, bringing together nostalgia and the best in current tech.
However, there is also a newer model of Bumblebee that is auto-converting with the original Volkswagen Bug design. This model provides a more complete Transformers experience in the sense that users are able to control the robot both in robot and vehicle forms. The auto-converting model is a significant improvement in Robosen technology, providing fans with a more authentic Transformers experience.
