Innovation First International, a developer of educational and competitive robotics products and consumer robotics toys, unveiled the HEXBUG Nano – a tiny, 1.75 inch energetic micro robotic bug that uses the physics of vibration and robotic intelligence to skitter along and explore its environment on smooth surfaces.

Planned as a series for collectors, the first release is the Nano Newton Collection of five unique bugs for kids 3 years old and up, and is now available for $7.99 each at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com, RadioShack and online at http://www.hexbug.com/nano. Additionally, Toys“R”Us is exclusively offering the HEXBUG Nano Habitat Set, which allows users to configure customizable mazes for the industrious creatures.

HEXBUG Nano fanatics interested in the lore of science and discovery can visit http://www.handandstars.com to earn points by answering science quiz questions, register their collection using the unique serial numbers included inside each test tube style package, and achieve global status and prestige in an online game that requires players to use scientific principles to build their own virtual Nano.

“HEXBUG Nano fascinates children and adults alike with its lifelike behavior while it exposes them to concepts such as cause-and-effect, momentum, center of gravity and randomness,” said Joel Carter, vice president, marketing, Innovation First International. “The Nano is also the first generation of HEXBUG Micro Robotic Creatures that is collectible and extends the user experience online with a world that reinforces the fun and fascination behind science and discovery through a variety of online challenges and game-play.”

Powered by a tiny motor and 12 fixed, angular legs, the industrious insect switches direction upon coming into contact with an object in its path, and possesses an uncanny sense of balance, flipping to its feet when turned on its back. Continuing to pay homage to its scientific heritage, the HEXBUG Nano family will include five unique collections, each named after an accomplished scientist. Each collection will include five distinct series, representing key scientific discoveries realized during the time period of its collection. For example, the Newton Collection, available today, includes Gravity, Orbit, Motion, Calculus and Refraction as its five series. Each Series includes five individual bugs, some of which are common while others are very rare, so collectors will need to be on the lookout for certain high point value creatures. There are also extremely rare bugs known as Mutations, which will appear from time to time. Additional collections and series will be unveiled in 2010.

HEXBUG Micro Robotic Creatures meet the most stringent safety regulations put into action by the new CPSIA law, designed with the underlying intention of protecting children and the environment from poisonous products.

About Innovation First International
Innovation First International, a privately held corporation, was founded on the belief that innovation very early in the design process is necessary to produce simple and elegant product designs. Innovation First began producing electronics for unmanned mobile ground robots, and is now an industry leader in the hobby, competition, education and toy markets. The company’s award winning Vex Robotics Design System, HEXBUG Micro Robotic Creatures and IFI Robotics span the education, consumer and business-to-business markets. In 2007, the company launched http://www.RobotEvents.com, an online portal dedicated to the advancement of educational and competitive robotics, which provides comprehensive information on the latest robotics competitions, educational workshops and information for teachers and mentors. The company also created the VEX Robotics Competition in 2007, designed to give a diverse group of students the chance to celebrate their accomplishments and share their passion for robotics with each other. Leveraging the company’s core competency in electrical and mechanical engineering, the RackSolutions division works closely with all major computer OEMs to provide custom mounting solutions and industry-wide rack compatibility for data installations of all sizes. In 2009 the company added offices in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom to better serve the global marketplace. With an advanced in-house metal fabrication plant, distribution center, and corporate office located together in a 13 acre complex in Greenville, Texas, the company is poised to continue on a rapid growth path. Please visit http://www.innovationfirst.com for additional information.

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Lindsey Carlin
Cohn & Wolfe
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