LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spin Master Ltd., a global leader and one of the top five U.S. toy manufacturers*, is excited to take the iconic global brand Meccano (known as Erector in the United States) to the next level in 2015 and introduce Meccanoid G15 KS, your personal robot. Meccano is at the leading edge of the new industrial & makers revolution with the introduction of one of the most innovative segments in its category. Meccano is developing the world's next pioneers by inspiring them to build the future and shape the world.
Meccanoid G15 KS is your personal robot built with the latest Meccano parts. It is an advanced yet easy to use open source Robotic Building platform, making it accessible to builders covering a broad range of ages and skill sets. Meccanoid G15 KS will attract new fans to the world of robotics that would have otherwise have been scared off by something they felt was intimidating.
"Simplicity was central to the design and development from day one so we developed three programming options. First, a cool new tech we call "LIM" – Learned Intelligent Movement. Second, a "Ragdoll" Avatar control via an app, and finally and perhaps the most fun of all, Motion capture. All allow someone with no prior experience to program with ease in moments", said Ben Varadi, EVP & Chief Creative Officer for Spin Master, Ltd.
In addition, the robot uses its on board "Mecca Brain" and voice recognition to say thousands of phrases, tell jokes, offer fun facts, play games, initiate conversations and even remember your name and birthday!
Meccano is designed specifically for kids 5-14 who are motivated by the challenge of making, creating and discovery; Meccano is the only brand that combines real life engineering, technology, tools, and materials to build, create, and stretch kids' imaginations while allowing them to learn while having fun.
Meccano guarantees to keep its heritage and strong DNA, ( real metal, highly educational, instilling creativity, technologically advanced and durable) but is introducing a new design language and philosophy, and significantly improved product and consumer experience. All Meccano sets will now include new user friendly instructions with clear building and tool tips, ergonomic and modular tools, and will include refreshed metallic and colored parts, hi-tech fabrics, and electric motors, along with a full range of digital programing.
Additionally, Meccano is working with the best schools and universities, such as the USC Engineering and Robotics Research Lab, to make its line highly compatible with STEM initiatives and support the developments of the pioneers of the future.
"Meccano is an iconic global brand with a powerful DNA. It was founded in 1901 and has always been about being culturally relevant and creating toys that enable children and adults to build and stretch their imaginations," said Krista DiBerardino, Chief Marketing Officer, Spin Master Ltd. "The all new Meccano promises to bring a new level of excitement, challenge, creativity and fun to builders as it fully leverages Spin Master's award winning & cutting edge innovation."
*Source: The NPD Group / US Retail Tracking Service / Annual 2013 / Dollar Volume
For additional information please contact:
Press & Products:
Tara Tucker
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Spin Master Ltd.
310-871-3919 (mobile)
tarat@spinmaster.com
About Meccano:
Invented in England by Frank Hornby in 1901, Meccano was conceived as a model-construction system, based on the principles of mechanical engineering. Adhering to a "Mechanics Made Easy" ethos, the sets comprised of re-usable metal strips, plates, wheels, axles and gears, with nuts and bolts to connect the pieces. Acquired by Spin Master Ltd. in 2013, MECCANO continues to infuse innovation into the line by incorporating more ergonomic tools, new materials and advanced technologies into its sets. Through the years, Meccano has inspired countless engineers, designers, architects and creative minds of all ages. The brand continues to work with builders, creators, visionaries and educators to develop products that inspire the pioneers of the future. Meccano/Erector sets are currently sold in more than 50 countries. www.meccano.com
About Spin Master Ltd.
A multi-category children's entertainment company, Spin Master has been designing, developing, manufacturing, and marketing consumer products for children around the world since 1994 and is recognized as a global growth leader within the toy industry. Spin Master is best known for such popular brands as boy's action phenomena and 2009-2010 Boy's Toy of the Year winner Bakugan Battle Brawlers™, and award-winning brands Air Hogs®, Aquadoodle™, Flutterbye™, Spin Master Games™ including 2014 Game of the Year, Boom Boom Balloon ™ and the popular Hedbanz™, Spy Gear™, Tech Deck™, and the 2014 Innovative Toy of the Year Zoomer™. The company has also marked an entry into children's media with the launch of Spin Master Entertainment, a subsidiary focusing on the design, development and production of television and other media properties, including the hit animated preschool series, PAW Patrol™. Spin Master employs over 900 people with offices in Toronto, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Munich, and Milan. For additional information please visit: www.spinmaster.com
Photos accompanying this release are available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=29874
Joshua Tucker Communications Manager Spin Master Ltd. 416-364-6002 ext 2377
