Electronic toys
From the beeping and flashing beginnings to the hypermodern, app-controlled marvels of today – the world of electronic toys is a reflection of technological evolution and a fascinating chapter in the history of pop culture. Join me on a nostalgic yet futuristic journey through the gallery of electronic toys that have not only conquered children’s rooms but also the hearts of tech-savvy adults.
Simon (1978, Milton Bradley)
Let’s start our journey through time in 1978 with “Simon”, an electronic memory game that was presented at the “Studio 54” party and immediately became a cult object. Players had to repeat colour and sound sequences provided by the device – a challenge that still exists today in various new editions.
Speak & Spell (1978, Texas Instruments)
Almost at the same time, Texas Instruments launched the “Speak & Spell”, a revolutionary learning computer that took children into the world of letters and words. With its robotic voice and characteristic red casing, it became an iconic teaching aid of the 1980s.
Game Boy (1989, Nintendo)
No list of electronic toys would be complete without the Nintendo Game Boy. This portable games console redefined mobile gaming and brought classics such as “Tetris” and “Super Mario Land” into the hands of enthusiastic gamers worldwide.
Tamagotchi (1996, Bandai)
In the mid-90s, the Tamagotchi caused a worldwide hype. This digital pet, which lived in a small egg, needed care, food and affection – an early forerunner of today’s pet care apps that drove many parents crazy.
Furby (1998, Tiger Electronics)
Furby, a fluffy creature with big eyes and its own language (Furbish), learnt and developed through interaction. This toy was not only a bestseller, but also triggered data protection debates as it could record and play back sounds.
Mindstorms Robotic Invention System (1998, LEGO)
LEGO, the classic building block company, entered the electronic arena with Mindstorms, a robotics kit that combined programming and construction. It was a milestone that playfully encouraged interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects.
LeapPad (1999, LeapFrog)
At the turn of the millennium, LeapFrog released the LeapPad, an interactive learning tablet that helped children learn to read and write. With touch-sensitive pages and a digital “pen”, it was a pioneer for many modern learning tablets.
Anki Cozmo (2016, Anki)
A more recent jewel in the crown of electronic toys is Cozmo, a little robot with a big personality, developed by Anki. Cozmo can learn, play and even show emotions, a testament to how far robotics technology has come.
NeuroSky MindWave (2011, NeuroSky)
A fascinating blend of toy and science is offered by the NeuroSky MindWave, a headset that measures the user’s brainwave activity. It served not only as an educational tool to learn more about neurobiology, but also as a control device for games controlled by concentration and meditation. This technology offered a completely new way to design interactions between humans and machines.
Zoomer (2013, Spin Master)
Zoomer is an interactive robotic dog that responds to voices, can follow commands and has touch sensors that allow it to respond to petting. Zoomer was developed as a pet substitute and aimed to teach children the responsibility of having a pet without the associated discomfort. This toy quickly became a favourite companion in many households.
Sphero (2011, Sphero)
Sphero is a spherical, remote-controlled toy robot that is controlled via an app and is programmable on its surface. Sphero offered a platform to learn programming skills and understand robotics principles in a playful way. Over time, different versions were developed, including characters from the Star Wars universe such as BB-8, which combined educational value with the entertainment factor.
Hexbugs (2007, Innovation First International)
Hexbugs are small, insect-like robots that react to touch and sound. These small robots were originally intended as technological gadgets, but have become a popular toy that teaches children the basics of robotics and the behaviour of autonomous systems. Hexbugs simulate the behaviour of real insects, offering a fascinating and interactive way to explore the world of robotics.
Ozobot (2014, Evollve Inc.)
Ozobot is a small, programmable robot designed to introduce children to the world of digital programming and creativity. The robot can be programmed in two ways: by drawing lines and colour codes on paper or by using a block-based programming language via an app. Designed to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills, Ozobot serves as a bridge between physical and digital play and learning experiences.
Toys that shape the future
This parade of electronic toys shows how closely entertainment, learning and technological advances are intertwined. Each of these toys was not only a window into a new world of interactivity and fun, but also an educational insight into the possibilities and challenges of technological innovation.
