Remote-controlled tech toys

By Peter Pernsteiner 
The majority of motorised technological toys can now be operated remotely. In Hall 7A of the Spielwarenmesse, many manufacturers once again showcased their fascinating RC models with radio remote control. There were also many new products in the other exhibition halls that can be controlled either conventionally or via smartphone.

Radio hand controller for the race 

Even the slot car racetrack from Carrera Toys, which has been very popular for over 60 years, is increasingly focussing on wireless handling. This is why the company is equipping its digital starter packs with new Bluetooth wireless hand controllers and a suitable adapter for the controller unit. They are no longer powered by a special rechargeable battery, but by a normal AAA battery that can be easily replaced. 

There are also some nice new features for the vehicles. In addition to international, cutting-edge racing cars, a VW T2b bus was presented as an ambulance modelled on a 1970s vehicle in 1:32 scale. It can race in style with flashing blue lights, siren and realistic engine sound. The slot car highlight is a gigantic starter set for Carrera 124 in the form of a 50-kilogram wheeled suitcase. It contains track elements for a racetrack with up to four lanes and a surface area of 7.7 x 3 metres as well as four wireless hand controllers. The customer can individually select the four associated racing cars on a scale of 1:24 from the entire range of vehicles available.

The video interview with Andreas Weiß shows the slot car innovations from Carrera.

Some classic remote control models were also on show in 1:24 scale or even smaller. UDIRC Technology, for example, presented an off-road American pickup truck in 1:24 scale and announced a Unimog modelled after a 1970s vehicle in the same scale. Both have four-wheel drive and a heavily sprung independent suspension for high ground clearance. The Toyota 4Runner N60 model from the mid-1980s is also operated with a 2.4 GHz pistol grip remote control. The 20 cm long model from Kyosho has newly designed shock absorbers with 360-degree spring mounts. The finely detailed Siku model of the latest 9S.425 tractor from the French agricultural machinery brand Massey Ferguson is 25 per cent smaller in scale but also almost 20 cm long. With its 6-cylinder engine and 425 hp, it is one of the most powerful agricultural machines in its class. The 1:32 scale Siku Control model is due to be delivered in autumn and can be operated either via a handy Bluetooth remote control transmitter or via a smartphone app. RC models are of course also available in much smaller sizes. For example, Carson presented three variants of the VW Beetle in 1:87 at the toy fair - although they are 5 cm short, they can be steered and driven proportionally.

Classic scales

The majority of the RC models exhibited in Nuremberg are in scales between 1:8 and 1:16. Tamiya also presented numerous new vehicles. Nostalgia fans of the 1960s can look forward to 1:10 kits for the Opel Kadett GT/E Rallye, the Alfa Romeo Guilia Sprint GTA, the Fiat Abarth 1000 TCR or the legendary Citroen DS. After the company presented remote-controlled tanks for the first time almost exactly 50 years ago, it was only a matter of time before three corresponding new products in 1:16 and 1:14 scales were presented in Hall 7A. Radio-controlled civilian vehicles were also demonstrated in action on the exhibition stand, such as a hand-built model of the Volvo FH16 XL 750 4x2 tractor unit in 1:14 scale. This model is intended for young people aged 14 and over. The body is made of ABS plastic and an aluminium ladder frame. The axle suspension uses leaf springs with friction dampers and a 3-speed gearbox is used to drive the rear axle. The scope of delivery even includes the figure of a driver, although this must be painted just like the body itself. A matching truck multifunctional unit with speed controller, engine sound electronics and vibration unit for realistic simulation of driving operation is available as an option.

Of course, there are also high-speed models. HRC Distribution from Switzerland has presented a new high-speed racing truggy, among other things. This was modelled on the "Teken" from Team Magic. The 576 mm long and 410 mm wide 1:8 scale model weighs almost four kilograms without battery. It has an enlarged wheelbase of 386 mm and rests on a 3 mm thick aluminium base plate with solid chassis reinforcement to the rear axle. The aluminium shock absorbers and spoiler, among other things, are very finely adjustable for individual driving behaviour. Thanks to a front ground clearance of up to 45 mm and the good suspension, the model is ideally suited for off-road driving. Both the 100 A speed controller and the receiver box, the metal geared steering servo and the brushless 2500 kV motor are splash-proof.  As the Teken can travel at speeds of up to 80 km/h ex works, even larger jumps should be possible without any problems. The body is made of robust Lexan polycarbonate and is available in either mint green or orange.

Remote control driving models are now quite fast and reliable even with just two wheels. BSD Racing from Chenzhen plans to deliver a 1:4 scale enduro off-road motorbike as early as this spring. The 53 cm long and 28 cm high racing machine should be able to reach speeds of up to 60 km/h thanks to its high-performance brushless motor and 50 A speed controller, and an integrated gyro system should ensure that the model does not fall over even when travelling slowly. The scope of delivery includes a lithium-polymer battery with 3.2 Ah at 7.4 volts and a 2.4 GHz pistol grip remote control with rotary control.

Through the water and into the air

Remote-controlled boats were also a theme at the fair. In addition to classic sailing and racing boats,Joysway Hobby Internationalexhibited the 1:14 model of the Racebird nano electric hydrofoil racing boat. Like its big role model, the 545 mm long and 740 gram light model is designed to almost fly out of the water and develop a speed of up to 25 km/h. The RTR ready-to-run model is powered by a water-cooled geared motor, which is connected to the nylon propeller on the tail fin via a long shaft. The scope of delivery includes a lithium-ion battery with 900 mAh at 7.4 volts, a 2.4 GHz radio remote control in the shape of a pistol with a handy rotary steering control and a boat stand, with which the model is sure to cut a fine figure in a display case. The plastic housing of the model is available in a choice of white, coral red, blue or green.

Take to the skies with the DF-200XL Pro FPV from Drive & Fly Models. The big brother of the 240 mm long DF-100 FPV helicopter model is also equipped with a WiFi FPV camera. This allows live images from the flight to be transmitted directly to a smartphone. The 335 mm long and 220 gram light model has a 380 mm twin rotor and can easily be controlled by beginners. It therefore has an automatic take-off/landing function and automatic altitude stabilisation. The LED lighting also enables atmospheric night flights. The model can be flown outdoors in windless conditions with two speed settings and the supplied 1200 mAh battery provides up to 8 minutes of flight time.

High-tech toy with 34 servo motors

Some robot models that can transform have even more technology on board than a helicopter. This year, Robosen once again attracted many interested glances at the trade fair stand. While the "Optimus Prime", the highlight of the Spielwarenmesse 2023, was able to transform between a walking robot and a truck lorry in a matter of seconds, just like its cinema film role model, the latest model "Grimlock Robot" transforms from a dinosaur into a robot and back again. The robot is 39 cm high and listens to 42 different voice commands via a built-in microphone. No fewer than 34 built-in servo motors in combination with 85 microchips ensure the complete transformation of the high-tech toy. In addition, the movement sequences can also be controlled via smartphone or individually programmed. To round off the fun, the Grimlock's sound electronics contain more than 150 original soundtracks from the spectacular Transformers films.

In a short video, the author of this article shows how quickly Grimlock transforms from Robosen to a robot and back again.

In addition, more and more artificial intelligence is now being used in toys. Carrera Toys is entering this field in collaboration with the start-up company Sturmkind. The Carrera Hybrid AI racetrack system was presented in Nuremberg. The 1:50 scale racing cars no longer drive on fixed slots, but completely freely on a 25 cm wide flat racing track. A pattern is embedded in the track, which is recognised by an optical sensor in the floor of the 90 mm long Porsche 911 GT3 R racing cars. This ensures that the cars stay on the track. The cars are controlled via Bluetooth using a smartphone, which is moved like a racing car steering wheel. A wide range of vehicle parameters such as the braking system and gearbox can be configured before the race. The sophisticated AI software ensures that the cars move realistically and their tyre characteristics are adjusted depending on previous driving actions. For a multiplayer racing experience, up to 16 vehicles and smartphones can communicate with each other via Wi-Fi. If desired, the cars can even drive to their starting positions for a race fully automatically as if by magic.

Video interview with Martin Müller from Sturmkind about the innovative hybrid race track system. 

About the author Peter Pernsteiner:

Peter Pernsteiner discovered his love of technical journalism when studying electrical engineering and joined the editorial staff of a large ICT trade magazine soon after. Since 1994, he has worked as a freelance journalist, focusing on tech topics – including for model railway magazines. In 2016, he also started a YouTube channel for technology reports which has since attracted global attention.