Romo

Romo first made waves on Kickstarter, where Peter Seid and Phu Nguyen raised $114,796 to fund their project. Why so much love from the internet? Because Romo uses one of the most widely spread, easy-to-use computers on the market—the iPhone. Simply download the Romo app and you can make the robot your personal spy as it zips around on its rubber treads, feeding you live video. The genius of Romo is how easily customizable it is. Program new functions yourself or just wait for Romotive to release new apps through the App Store. Don’t worry, Android users; Romotive says it’s releasing an Android app by Christmas.
Price: $99
Programming Skills Required: Little to none
MORE: Top 10 Smart-Phone Apps
HEXBUG Crab

This little crustacean comes from HEXBUG, the premiere maker of robots that are simultaneously creepy and adorable. It skitters around sideways just like a real crab, using sensors to look for shaded areas to hide in, presumably to escape the gaze of hungry robotic gulls. Make a loud sound and HEXBUG Crab will immediately run away until it finds a new sanctuary. It’s like having a terrified living crab running around in your home, except that you probably shouldn’t eat it after you catch it. The entire thing runs on a pair of cheap, button cell batteries, which are included.
Price: $14.99
Programming Skills Required: None















