okk R4 Programmable Robot Toy: features, specs and who it suits

The okk R4 is a small walking robot toy for children that combines remote control, simple programming, music and a hidden coin bank. It is meant to be a play companion that responds to touch, clapping and voice, and to give children a first taste of giving a machine instructions.

Remote control and simple programming

The R4 moves forward and back and turns left and right from a handheld remote. okk also says it can be programmed, so the robot carries out a sequence of instructions you give it. For a young child, this kind of toy is usually a first lesson in cause and effect: press a button, see what happens, then try a different order. The remote also controls the volume of the sound, which is handy if the music gets loud.

Three ways to interact

Beyond the remote, okk describes several interaction modes:

• Touch mode: tapping the top of the head starts a command that is stored in the robot.
• Clapping mode: clapping your hands triggers a matching action.
• Voice mode: the robot records a short phrase, such as "Hello", and plays it back in three different voices.

These modes make the toy useful without the remote, which suits younger children who find a controller fiddly.

Singing, dancing and lights

In singing and dancing mode, the robot plays music and moves, while lights in its eyes and ears flash in different colours. It is the sort of feature that works well for a group of children, or as a little show for relatives.

The coin bank and tray

The most unusual feature is a small coin jar built into the robot's head. It opens with a supplied key, so coins can be taken out without breaking the jar. okk presents it as a way to practise saving. The package also includes a removable tray, which lets the robot carry light items such as blocks or small gifts on command.

Power and what's in the box

The robot has a built-in 3.7V, 400mAh lithium battery that charges over USB in about 60 minutes, for around 70 minutes of play, according to okk. The remote needs two AAA batteries, which are not included. The box holds the robot, the remote, a USB charging cable, the tray and key, and a user manual.

The robot measures about 6.3 x 4.0 x 10.7 inches (16 x 10 x 27 cm) and weighs 2.1 lb (about 0.95 kg). It is made of plastic.

Who it suits

It suits children who enjoy interactive toys and gift-givers looking for something that does more than one thing. It is a light introduction to programming rather than a full coding kit, so older children who want to learn real coding may outgrow it quickly.

What to check before you buy

• Age range: look at the age recommendation on the packaging and the manual, and check for small parts such as the key.
• Batteries: you need two AAA cells for the remote; the robot itself charges over USB, but you will need your own USB power adapter.
• Sound: the robot sings and talks, so think about whether that suits the room it will be played in.
• Play surface: walking toys usually do best on hard, flat floors rather than thick carpet.
• Coin bank: keep track of the key, since it opens the jar.

The short version

• A remote-controlled, programmable walking robot toy, model R4, from okk.
• Touch, clapping and voice-repeat modes, plus singing and dancing with eye and ear lights.
• A coin jar with a key in its head and a removable carrying tray.
• Built-in 400mAh rechargeable battery with USB charging; remote needs two AAA batteries.
• About 10.7 inches tall and 2.1 lb.

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