Robosen’s new Optimus Prime is voice-activated, app-controlled and transforms by itself

When Transformers first arrived, you could convert them from car to vehicle by flipping them over and positioning their limbs. Today’s Transformers are trickier, quickly transforming owners from placid robot-loving types into rage monsters. The new Transformers Optimus Prime Auto-Converting Programmable Robot – Collector’s Edition ($699.99; shipping October 2021) gets around this in cunning fashion. Drawing on creator Robosen’s experience in crafting high-end transforming robots, this collaboration with Hasbro converts itself, making good use of 27 servo motors to rearrange its 50cm tall form. For 700 bucks, that’d be a cool but expensive gimmick. Fortunately, this Autobot goes further, coming to life as you reel off voice commands and watch Optimus respond by blasting imaginary Decepticons or uttering worthy phrases in Peter Cullen’s dulcet tones. Naturally, there’s an app as well, for programming and customising Optimus – or having him transform, roll out, and check Megatron’s not lurking by your bins.

Craig Grannell Contributor

About

I’m a regular contributor to Stuff magazine and Stuff.tv, covering apps, games, Apple kit, Android, Lego, retro gaming and other interesting oddities. I also pen opinion pieces when the editor lets me, getting all serious about accessibility and predicting when sentient AI smart cookware will take over the world, in a terrifying mix of Bake Off and Terminator.

Areas of expertise

Mobile apps and games, Macs, iOS and tvOS devices, Android, retro games, crowdfunding, design, how to fight off an enraged smart saucepan with a massive stick.