# Human-Controlled Cockroach Robots Turn the Robot Cockroach into Your Personal Prankster By Nicole Ballantyne-Choo | Published 2013-08-14 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-cockroach References: [fancy](http://fancy.com/things/418692225883443117/iRoach-RC-Robot-Cockroach) & [fancy](http://fancy.com/Bowlers) With the help of an iPhone, iPod or iPad touch, this robot cockroach can be your personal puppet. This little electronic critter is known as the iRoach, and once set up, you’re in control of all the bug’s movements. There are a few steps to complete in order to to set up your controlling power. First, you must launch the iRoach app, and second, attach the transmitter to the earphone jack of whichever Apple product you choose to use. Using the touchscreen you can control the speed and direction of the cockroach. While kids could probably spend hours scaring parents and siblings with this creepy crawler, it only lasts about 20 minutes before needing to be charged again. This bug is the perfect toy for pranks, and it can be controlled from 10 metres away. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Remote-controlled Insect Robots:** The iRoach demonstrates the potential market for remote-controlled insects and other creepy crawlies for entertainment purposes. - **Consumer Robotics:** Consumer-focused robotics such as the iRoach have the potential to become a more prominent market with the rise of tech-savvy consumers. - **Smartphone-enabled Toys:** As smartphone technology continues to evolve, more advanced and interactive toys such as the iRoach are likely to follow. ### Who This Affects Most - **Entertainment:** The iRoach falls under the entertainment industry and can be utilized in various ways (pranks, toys, etc.) to provide some form of entertainment value. - **Robotics:** The iRoach is a prime example of how robotics can be utilized in novel and unique ways while also being cost-effective for consumers. - **Consumer Electronics:** The integration of smartphones and other electronic devices with consumer products such as the iRoach could represent a new wave of interactive products that complement our digital lifestyles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Programmable Pocket-Sized Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kt2-kungfu-turtle.md) - [Programmable Robot Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-robots.md) - [Bug-Like Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-insect-robot.md) - [AI-Powered Toy Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocar.md) - [Multidirectional Miniature Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multidirectional-miniature-robots.md) - [App Controlled Appliances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fingerbot-sense.md) - [Motion Control Combat Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ganker-ex-pro.md) - [Miniature Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot.md) - [Candy Collector Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airheads-decoy-boy.md)