# Smartphone-Controlled Critters Startling People is Made Easy with These Robotic Toys By Jen Chae | Published 2013-08-20 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-toys References: [fancy](http://fancy.com/things/280100617609811577/iPhone-Controlled-Bug-by-iHelicopters) & [ihelicopters.net](http://www.ihelicopters.net/) Robotic toys are nothing new, but what about ones that you can control with the swipe of your [iPhone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iphone-gaming-controller) touchscreen? The iPhone Controlled Bug by tech company iHelicopters syncs with an app on your smartphone. This type of correspondence between toys and cellphones will change the way children play. The bug itself is mimics the appearance and movement of an insect with its six thin legs and film-like wings. Everything is designed to move on demand, using IR transmission technology. The insect is USB chargeable and can be controlled by [iPads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assassins-creed-mirage-game) and iPads, too. Now that you can order around a [robotic critter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/owlbear) even from 6 meters away, a lot more pranks can be expected around the house. The best (or worst) part is that it will be completely unforeseen, as the controlling person will seem very nonchalant playing on a smartphone. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Smartphone-controlled Toys:** The trend of controlling toys with smartphones will continue to grow and innovate, opening up new possibilities for remote play and interactivity. - **App-integrated Robotic Critters:** The integration of mobile apps with robotic toys will continue to drive innovation and create new ways for users to interact with their toys. - **IR Transmission Technology:** The use of IR transmission technology in toys will continue to be refined and leveraged to create new and exciting play experiences. ### Where This Applies - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy manufacturers will need to adapt their products to meet the demand for tech-integrated toys that can be controlled by smartphones. - **Mobile App Development:** Mobile app developers will have exciting new opportunities to create innovative apps that integrate with robotic toys and enhance the user experience. - **Consumer Electronics:** Consumer electronics companies will need to stay on top of trends in smartphone-controlled toys and IR transmission technology to remain competitive in the market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Programmable Robot Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-robots.md) - [Programmable Pocket-Sized Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kt2-kungfu-turtle.md) - [Creature-Capturing Mobile Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bugsnax-ios.md) - [App Controlled Appliances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fingerbot-sense.md) - [Interactive Educational Bug Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rebug.md) - [AI-Powered Toy Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocar.md) - [Remote-Controlled Monster Truck Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-wheels-monster-trucks-hw-transforming-rhinomite-rc.md) - [Creepy Severed Hand Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wednesday-thing.md) - [Insect Habitat Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bug-playground.md)