Robosen, a leading robotics company, has announced the launch of its self-transforming Bumblebee robot toy, further expanding its partnership with Hasbro. This latest addition to Robosen's Transformers lineup is set to hit the market later this year, priced at $1,299, although early adopters can snag a limited-time discount of $949 for preorders.

The Bumblebee toy boasts an impressive 31 servo motors, enabling it to transform seamlessly from a bright yellow robot to a classic Volkswagen Beetle. The scaled-down design is officially licensed by Volkswagen, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the toy. Moreover, Robosen has brought back Dan Gilvezan, the original voice of Bumblebee from the 1980s Transformers cartoon, to record over 200 lines of new dialogue for the toy.

In robot mode, the Bumblebee toy stands almost 15 inches tall and responds to 48 voice commands. Users can also control the toy using Robosen's mobile app over Bluetooth, which features a simplified block-based programming language for creating complex animated sequences. The toy's advanced mobility is made possible by a "new and more fluid bipedal walking algorithm," according to Hasbro, as well as a custom-designed rear axle servo-motor and steering mechanism for improved maneuverability in vehicle mode.

For those with a larger budget, Robosen's Bumblebee toy can interact with other Transformers toys in the company's lineup, including Megatron and Grimlock, to create immersive battle sequences. The toys can react to blaster hits and punches from other bots, exchanging one-liners in the process.

This is not Robosen's first foray into Bumblebee toys; in 2023, the company released a more affordable $399 version that offered similar features, including walking on two feet, but without the ability to transform into a Beetle. The new self-transforming Bumblebee toy represents a significant upgrade, showcasing Robosen's continued innovation in the field of robotics and toy design.

The launch of Robosen's Bumblebee toy is a testament to the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of robotics and artificial intelligence. As the technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how Robosen and other companies in the space leverage these innovations to create even more sophisticated and engaging products.

With the preorder period underway, fans of the Transformers franchise and robotics enthusiasts alike will be eagerly anticipating the release of Robosen's self-transforming Bumblebee toy later this year. As the toy market continues to evolve, it's clear that Robosen is poised to remain at the forefront of innovation, bringing cutting-edge technology to the masses.