In the market for a geeky Christmas present? Or perhaps the world’s smallest humanoid robot? Well, here’s the answer to both. ThinkGeek is selling Tomy’s iSobot for $299.99 — the smallest humanoid in production. (And don’t think smallest equals junk).

This blatant promotional video totally sold me on the retro introduction (and they show off iSobot’s abilities nicely):

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The i-SOBOT can be directly controlled via the included remote to walk and perform dozens of complex motions. He can balance on one leg, do a handstand and get up from almost any position. String commands together to record more complex performances, or you can use the “Special Action Mode” to be wowed by one of i-SOBOTS intricate built in motion routines. i-SOBOT can also understand 10 different voice commands and speaks using over 200 words and phrases. [product page]

Technically I think GeStream’s humanoid is the smallest (he’s 15cm tall versus iSobot who’s 16cm), but he’s not in production yet. Thus, by being officially recognized by the Guiness Book of Records, iSobot swoops the title.

Tim Hornyak discusses iSobot with some more details, mentioning Tomy’s history in robotics. They’ve been building robots for quite some time, iSobot being the latest in their Omnibot line (official name being Omnibot 17μ: i-SOBOT). Frankly, while I’m geeked out by iSobot, I wish they would’ve kept the awesome design of their Omnibot 2000!

Links and References

• Omnibots on Wikipedia