Tag Archives: Toys

Actual working Pokédex uses ChatGPT to identify Pokémon… and you can build one too

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Let’s face it. You didn’t click on this article by accident. You’re as much of a Pokémon nerd as I am and there’s complete reason to feel excited given what I’m about to show you. A YouTuber by the name of Abe’s Projects decided to throw together a few components to make a rudimentary (but functioning) Pokédex and I CANNOT KEEP CALM!

This Pokédex works surprisingly like the original. Relying on the powers of ChatGPT to identify imagery captured through a rather basic camera setup, Abe’s Pokédex does a fairly good job of replicating the experience of the original from the hit TV series and comic book. Abe even encased his electronics in a wonderfully nostalgic red 3D-printed enclosure, making it resemble the original Pokédex to an uncanny degree… and if that wasn’t enough, he even programmed the Pokédex to speak just like the original, with a computer-ish robotic voice.

Designer: Abe’s Projects

The process, although fairly complicated, gets detailed out by Abe in the YouTube video. One of his admittedly harder builds, Abe mentions the first conundrum – planning the exterior and interior. The problem – you can’t 3D model an outer shape without knowing where your inner components are going to sit, and you can’t know where your inner components are going to sit without planning out your outer shell. Nevertheless, Abe designed a rudimentary framework featuring an outer shell, a few removable components (like the bezel for the screen and buttons), and a flap that ‘opens’ your Pokédex.

The internals feature a XIAO ESP32S3 Sense microcontroller that has its own integrated camera, connected to a black and white OLED screen (based on the Pokédex toy from the 90s), an amplifier that hooks to a speaker, a set of breaker buttons, a battery, and a USB-C port for loading all the information to run the mini-computer, as well as to charge the battery.

The way the Pokédex works is rather clever – it uses GPT4 along with the PokéAPI, relying on the latter’s massive information database. The GPT4 gives the device its AI chops, and an AI voice generator (PlayHT) helps create the signature vocal effect of the Pokédex. Together, they work in tandem to first, identify the Pokémon, second, reference the information in the database, third, display the Pokémon on the screen, and finally, play relevant audio about the Pokémon’s name, type, background, and performance. This does, however, mean that the Pokédex needs to stay connected to WiFi at all times to constantly tap into GPT4 and the PokéAPI (since nothing happens locally on-device).

The entire process wasn’t without its fair share of problems, however. The problems started with the software itself, which hung, crashed, and sometimes got overburdened with just the amount of heavy lifting it had to do. Meanwhile, the PlayHT audio generator posed its own share of issues, like an annoying ticking noise that played in the background as the AI spoke. Abe mentions all the problems he had in a dedicated section of the video, also outlining how he fixed them (hint: a lot of coding).

Once all the bugs were fixed, Abe took his Pokédex out for a spin. In all fairness, it did a pretty good job of identifying Pokémon strictly by analyzing their shape. This meant the Pokédex worked absolutely flawlessly when pointed at images, or an accurate 3D figurine or toy. It didn’t however, fare too well with plushes, which can sometimes have exaggerated proportions. That being said, it’s still impressive that the Pokédex works ‘as advertised’.

Building your own isn’t simple, Abe mentions… although he does have a paywall on his YouTube page where paid members can get access to behind-the-scenes content where Abe talks more extensively about his entire process. If you’re a coding and engineering whiz (with a penchant for Pokémon and 3D printing), hop on over to the Abe’s Projects YouTube page and maybe you’ll figure out how to build your own Pokédex too! Maybe you’ll simplify the process so simpletons like us can build them as well…

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Chess set concept commemorates Nakhchivan’s 100th anniversary

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If you’re the type to collect special edition chess sets, you’re probably always on the lookout for those that have a pretty unique design. You also probably don’t really play these sets on a regular basis but you’re more likely to display it somewhere in your space or if you’re planning to open a chess museum or something. If you’re also into sets that seem to belong on a set of fantasy epics like Game of Thrones, then this is something you might want to look at if this becomes a reality.

Designer: Adam Yuniso and Hatam Yunisli

Nakhchivan may not be a household name when it comes to places that you’d like to visit someday but based on what I’ve “researched” (read: Googled) so far, it is a place worth considering. The official name is Nakchivan Autonomous Republic, and is a “landlocked enclave” of the Republic of Azerbaijan bordered by Armenia, Iran, and Turkey. To celebrate its 100th anniversary, a souvenir project was proposed and it’s a stunning looking chess set (that also seems expensive).

Instead of the usual chess pieces, each one is designed to represent various Nakhchivan architecture like the Garabaghlar Mausoleum, Nakhchivan Memorial Museum, and several other mausoleums that hold significance to the republic. They look like they would look right at home at a classic castle that displays awesome-looking chess sets. Instead of being positioned in the traditional way that the pieces are placed, the designers said that they are placed in relation to the other chess pieces.

Now I don’t know if that means the rules are quite different ofr this Nakhchivan Chess Set but it does look pretty impressive based on the product renders. It may also not be something you’d play on a regular basis but a chess set that can be displayed especially if you have a strong connection to Nakhchivan.

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The Great British Bake Off gets an adorable LEGO recreation with the entire set, crew, and judges

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I absolutely can’t take my eyes off those tiny KitchenAid mixers on every counter!

One of Britain’s many cultural exports, the Great British Bake Off (renamed The Great British Baking Show in the US for legal reasons) is a wonderful example of what you get when you mix dry British humor with cooking. Sure, Masterchef has its appeal, but nothing is quite as funny as watching the Brits compete over their culinary talents. The sarcasm, chaos, camaraderie, warmth of the judges, and the sheer wit and humor of the hosts make the show a delightful watch no matter where you are… and if you’re a LEGO enthusiast as well, user ‘timoth_e_e’ has an adorable build that recreates the magic of the show, down to brick-size!

Designer: timoth_e_e

The LEGO Great British Bake Off set is littered with an INCREDIBLE amount of detail. Recreating almost every aspect of the show down to its tiniest details, the build set features six decked-out participant islands with burners, utensils, a sink, a KitchenAid mixer, and even an oven in the bottom, while the backdrop has those signature string lights, Union Jack flags, and the entire kitchen pantry for all the participants.

The show is nothing without its camera crew, which is why this set pays homage to them too, providing 3 dedicated Minifigures with filming gear. You’ve got two camera operators and a boom mic operator, two shoulder cams, two boom mics, a tripod, and a pair of poseable studio lights.

The entire build features a whopping 2800 pieces (nearly 4-5 times your average LEGO build), but a lot of that boils down to small details like just the sheer amount of equipment on each countertop, as well as the plants (which timoth_e_e mentions can be scaled down to reduce the ‘clutter’). The kitchens have just about everything you could ask for, with mixing bowls, whisks, cups, pie tins, and food galore.

“This set is meant to be very playable; the refrigerators and freezers open and close and have space for a 2×2 custard (or dough that needs proving), the counters and bakers can be switched around and mixed up for various combinations, and the ingredients on the counter can be switched out depending on if the bakers are working on a technical challenge or a showstopper,” says LEGO user timoth_e_e, the brainchild behind this set. “The idea is to be able to recreate almost any of the moments from the show with this model.”

Nothing beats a Lemon Meringue Pie, now does it?

Put your cake in the fridge to cool it down before you apply icing!

Once made, food gets displayed on the iconic Gingham altar, a linear table where the judges (and the hosts) inspect the food before digging in. In the meanwhile, contestants either wait at their stations, or sit on a row of benches, awaiting the verdict of the judges. The entire set has a whopping 21 Minifigures, including judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, hosts Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas, the three film crew, and 14 popular participants from multiple seasons of the show, allowing you to pick and choose your favorite contestants to play with.

“I think this model would be a fantastic addition to any Lego collection either as an amazing display piece or for its playability. With its instantly recognizable features and characters, the Great British Bake Off has a special magic that I think would translate well to Lego,” writes timoth_e_e on his submission page. The LEGO Great British Bake Off is his submission to the LEGO Ideas Forum, where enthusiasts create, share, and support original builds using LEGO bricks. Submissions that garner a lot of support get sent to the LEGO internal review team, and following their approval, get turned into retail kits for everyone to buy. With over 6,300 votes as of writing this, the MOC (My Own Creation) is well on its way to hitting the coveted 10,000 vote mark. You can vote for the build on the LEGO Ideas website.

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Nissan’s interactive robots team up to make in-car parenting a breeze and favorite activity for babies onboard

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Experts suggest, going out with your fussy infant for a drive can lull them to sleep and smoothen their peace. But sitting in the car, facing the other way around in their chair, a child may not always be the happiest and you may not have all the control you desire. To your rescue, Japanese auto giant Nissan has designed cute robots that will make in-car parenting a breeze and a favorite activity for your tiny winy.

This is being made possible by Nissan through Iruyo: The Intelligent Puppet. The automaker has collaborated with compatriot Akachan Honpo, a baby goods retailer, to make the Iruyo, furry babysitter. It comes built-in with a range of sensors and communication devices to ensure parents get an affordable toy robot they can safely have around their baby.

Designer: Nissan x Akachan Honpo

To cut the chase, Iruyo: The Intelligent Puppet is a moniker used for a set of two similar-looking state-of-the-art robotic companions that vary visually in their size and come in thoughtfully fashioned red and subtler pink and white colors. The little one, aptly called the Baby Iruyo, is designed to sit near the driver – essentially in the cup holder – while the elder Iruyo rests in the backseat, facing the child sitting in their chair.

Baby Iruyo is programmed to understand voice commands; guess, only in Japanese for now. So, when the child gets cranky in the backseat, the parent can speak some consoling commands such as “I’m here” or “play peek-a-boo” and the little Iruyo relays that to the Iruyo, facing the child, which then makes suitable gestures to keep the kid entertained.

Well, Iruyo is either avatar is only a concept for now, but already the highly researched companion robot has been found to be a preoccupying activity in 90 percent of babies. Half of this percentage of babies have even experienced mood enhancements with the robot by their side. This data is instigating the makers to continue with trials and general experience sessions. One such event is slated at the Akachan Honpo store in LaLaport Yokohama on February 10 and 11.

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Lego gives you romantic couch potato date with a date night box

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Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and if you still don’t have any idea how to spend it with your loved one, don’t worry. There are tons of brands that will be offering you some alternatives aside from the usual dinner, chocolates, and flowers. More and more couples have actually been spending quality time at home (if they choose to celebrate at all) instead of going out so we’re also seeing brands create things for these home buddies. If you live in Singapore and you love Lego, then you’ll be excited about this.

Designer: Lego

If you were expecting that they will create a romantic themed Lego build, then you’re only half right. Brick Date is indeed sweet and will bring you two closer together, but you don’t have to worry about creating an elaborate build. The “date night in a box” contains some things you can use while you’re sipping wine at home on a couch potato kind of date (not necessarily on the 14th of course). In case your partner enjoys receiving physical cards, the box has a romantic greeting card inside along with 23 conversation cards that you can use to bond, whether you’re just new in the relationship or you’ve been together for a long time.

There’s also a heart-shaped lock made from Lego pieces of course that you can use as a symbol of your “unbreakable bond”. You can keep it at home or leave in a place where people put up love locks. Yours will probably stand out since most of the locks there will be normal looking padlocks. The box also has two coasters with heart-shaped Lego bricks so you can place your aforementioned wine glasses or coffee or tea mugs in case that’s your drink of choice.

The Brick Date box itself can also be transformed into a playmat in case you need something to place the cards on. There’s also a sticker sheet inside in case you need something to put in your journal or wall to commemorate your date night. Unfortunately, this is only available as an exclusive gift for those who will purchase SG$199 worth of selected Lego products in Singapore until February 18. When you click on their website though it says the Date Night In A Box is already sold out so we don’t know if they’ll be restocking in time for next week.

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The 1,642 piece LEGO Mercedes-AMG W14 E Performance will arrive in March 2024

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LEGO Technic has found a deep-rooted fancy for motorsports lately with the release of the McLaren F1 MP4 Ayrton Senna LEGO set and Speed Champions 2023 McLaren. Now the group has revealed the Mercedes-AMG W14 E Performance and a smaller pull-back version. The scaled replica of Lewis Hamilton’s 2023 Mercedes-AMG W14 F1 car is highly intricate and one to get for Formula-1 fans who follow the sport passionately.

The seven-time world champion sparked the interest of audiences worldwide with his domination at the pinnacle of motorsports for nearly a decade. This has earned the team millions of fans who come to witness the driving craft of Lewis and his machine. Sadly the team has tumbled from the top spot as Red Bull hit back with a flurry of wins but that doesn’t take anything away from the champion and his glory years. This LEGO set celebrates that winning spree and domination etched forever in the hearts of Mercedes fans.

Designer: LEGO Group

LEGO Technic is expanding its ever-growing collection of motorsports replicas with the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance LEGO set. The 1/8 scale model can be built piece by piece from the individual 1,642 LEGO bricks to form the W14 measuring 13 cm tall, 63cm long and 26 cm wide. Symbolized by the black color to keep the carbon parts from being painted to reduce that minuscule amount of weight, the F1 car is crafted to the most fine details.

The see-through V6 engine has moving piston parts, a working steering wheel, suspensions, differential, slick tires (without the Pirelli branding) and a DRS rear wing to complete the build. The original livery in the form of stickers has been replicated on the bodywork, making it a very inviting final form if you love the Silver Arrows for what they are.

The LEGO set will be released on March 1, 2024, for interested buyers and I’m sure there will be many takers. Also, LEGO will release a smaller version for kids in a pull-back form to have maximum fun.

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LEGO version of ‘Settlers of Catan’ is PERFECT for brick-lovers and board-game nerds

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The iconic game Settlers of Catan is entirely about building a community… so why not go the distance and build the game from scratch using LEGO? This MoC (My Own Creation) from AthleticSkylor088 gives you creative control like never before, letting you build out your game in ways never imaginable previously. By relying on LEGO bricks instead of the conventional 2D board, this unique build lets you turn your game into a brick-based microcosm, with 3D details, plants, fields, humans, animals, and every detail you’d expect from the popular board game!

Designer: AthleticSkylor088

“Starting out with almost nothing, gathering materials, and building settlements is all part of the great game of CATAN. Building your own towns and cities is a lot of fun, so why not play in the form of LEGO bricks?” asks AthleticSkylor088. “Build your very own CATAN board and biomes,” he adds.

The beauty of the board game lies in the fact that it pops out of the board, immersing you in depth and detail. AthleticSkylor088 hasn’t detailed how many bricks are used in this build, but the fact that it’s so hyper-customizable means you can play around with details, make them more realistic or artistic, or even go off the deep end and build a futuristic version with cyberpunk biomes. Although that would stray a little too far from the original, the fact that it’s possible (and that it looks this adorable) is what makes this LEGO build such a charming one.

Mine for ore inside these LEGO mountains

Watch as the sheep graze on the field

Observe the farmers tending to their wheat fields

Avoid the robbers in the desert

Watch the masons molding the bricks

Multiple pieces offer the entire Catan experience, from roads to bricks, timber, and animals.

This, however, isn’t the first time we’ve come across a LEGO version of a playable board game. Many LEGO MoC builders have made a variety of popular games, like chess, Go, Scrabble, and even Monopoly… although one has to admit, there’s a distinct charm to this particular iteration of Catan.

AthleticSkylor088’s LEGO Settlers of Catan board game is currently on the LEGO Ideas forum, where fans and enthusiasts can not only build out their own unique LEGO creations but can even vote for their favorite ones. With 2083 votes under its belt, the LEGO Settlers of Catan is well on its way to hit the coveted 10,000 vote mark, following which it will get an internal review by LEGO’s own team and then will hopefully be turned into a box set that anyone can buy and build. Click here if you want to vote for this MoC.

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A Linoleum Birdhouse Game That Educates and Instils The Values Of Sustainability

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In an interesting collaboration, design studio Mano de Santo has joined forces with French design atelier Tarkett to introduce ELVI. This innovative urban birdhouse game delves into the transformative potential of reusing materials. An eco-friendly and adaptable creation that not only highlights the versatility of linoleum but also aims to provide an interactive learning experience, fostering awareness and coexistence with urban wildlife.

Designers: Mano de Santo and Tarkett

In the world of birdhouse games, ELVI is not your everyday player. It stands out for its incredible ability to fit in just about anywhere – be it on streetlights, trees, balconies, or bars. It has a way of seamlessly blending into different spots, making it the go-to choice for those who appreciate a touch of beauty. What makes it even cooler is its modular design, making it super easy for anyone to put it together. You can be your own urban designer, customizing the birdhouse to match your style. The DIY aspect of ELVI adds a unique and personal dimension to the birdhouse-making process. By allowing individuals to assemble the birdhouse themselves, it creates a sense of connection to the project. This hands-on approach not only fosters a personal connection with the final product but also instills a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in its creation.

But this birdhouse is not just about looking good; it’s on a mission to teach us some important values. Imagine it as a wise friend, sharing knowledge about linoleum – a material often used for floors. It’s not just comfortable and durable; it’s also super versatile. You can find it in schools, hospitals, and many other places. The birdhouse takes this material and turns it into a piece of art that fits perfectly into our daily lives. The DIY nature encourages more people to actively engage in sustainable practices. As individuals take part in the creation of their birdhouses, they become more conscious of the materials used and the environmental impact of their choices.

Beyond its good looks, it takes on another important role as an educational tool. It’s like a guiding light, showing us how linoleum can be recycled and why it’s so good for the environment. It’s a product of the values of Tarkett, emphasizing how linoleum can be recovered and reused after we’re done using it. By pointing out the linoleum’s cleanliness and its ability to become new floors, the birdhouse wants us to feel responsible for taking care of our environment.

The hands-on experience serves as an educational tool, promoting a greater understanding of the importance of reusing materials like linoleum and contributing to a culture of sustainability.

By creating ELVI, a birdhouse game that goes beyond just being pretty, the project adds a special touch to urban spaces. Its design and focus on the eco-friendly qualities of linoleum make it more than just a decoration; it becomes a symbol of responsible choices and a reminder that we can live in harmony with nature even in our busy cities.

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Pool noodle furniture brings a spirit of play to both indoor and outdoor spaces

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Bright, colorful, flexible, buoyant, and life-saving. These are the words that are often used to describe pool noodles, sometimes called waterlogs or even water woggles. These floating foam tubes allow kids and adults alike to engage in playful banter in the pool while still remaining safe, though they’re also finding use outside of the water. Their flexible bodies and soft material make the perfect objects for safe play, but they’ve amusingly also become the foundations of designs completely unrelated to their original use. Take this experimental set of furniture that employs these vibrant tubes to deliver that same whimsical atmosphere to chairs, tables, and everything in between.

Designer: Lieyah Dagan

They may come by any other name, but pool noodles are a popular component in many fanciful designs, from playground obstacle courses to car covers. Their ubiquity, affordability, and flexibility make it easy to shape them into different objects, combining them to form a more complex composition of rods, circles, and arcs. What pool noodles aren’t known for is stability and rigidity, properties that are almost antithetical to the very essence of these foamy objects. And yet that’s exactly what this furniture is presenting, mixing contrasting elements to give the designs a distinct, lively character.

The first step in producing the Looped line of indoor and outdoor furniture was to actually break chairs, tables, and other furniture down to their frames, revealing the structure that ultimately gives them form. The pool noodles are then used to “flesh out” the actual shape of the furniture, giving them mass that would be needed to support their newfound purpose as utilitarian objects. Once the final designs have been selected, dowels and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) are added to provide the needed support to make the furniture become more stable and reliable.

Of course, it wouldn’t be fun if the pool noodles simply followed the same shape as the original furniture. Looped embodies not just the characteristics but also the spirit of these playful waterlogs, employing plenty of curves, loops, and over-the-top proportions that make the furniture almost feel like toys. That, for better or worse, is both the strength and the flaw of the design.

Loop has an undeniable pull that makes people want to play with it, whether it’s because of the bright colors, the soft material, or familiarity with pool noodles. That’s fine with soft toys like actual pool noodles, but playing with a chair or a table brings risks of accidents and injuries. In the end, it creates a perception of playful engagement when they’re also supposed to be designed for serious use, creating a conflict in the mind of the viewer that is both enthralling but also a bit confusing.

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3D print your own transforming robots with these downloadable templates

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3D printing has already come a long way since it was first introduced in the 80s. It still hasn’t reached the levels where almost every household has one like we now have with regular printers of course. But now we’re seeing consumer-level 3D printers as well as “templates” we can download and print on our own. Even if you only have a basic knowledge of how this technology works, it’s pretty easy to try it out on your own or at least find a tutorial online on how to do it. If you’re a fan of the old school transformers, these downloadable templates will be right up your alley.

Designer: Dr. Operator

Dr. Operator has been publishing 3D model templates on Printables and they’re quirky and interesting, especially if you like toy collectibles. But instead of the usual IP-related collectibles that remain faithful copycats, you get his own take on things like Star Wars’ AT-AT, Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine, Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K, etc. If you’re a fan of the Transformers series, then you’ll appreciate his latest series of 3D models that take inspiration from our favorite robots, but adding his own style and flair (and back story).

There are currently only two templates in this series but hopefully we get more robots soon. The Ham and Cheese model is a robot that turns into, you guessed it, a ham and cheese sandwich. It was inspired by the designer’s favorite Transformer, Soundwave. The “back story” is that the Ham is an Autobot and the Cheese is a Decepticon and they decide to abandon the fight and just become a sandwich. The Hippie Van Transformer is what exactly the name says it is. There are different toy car brands but the designer says that the Transformers are still the coolest so he created this.

There is still an upcoming 3D model kit that isn’t available yet on Printables but it may just be the coolest. It’s a robot that turns into a telephone headset and may even have a built in Bluetooth module. For kids out there, a telephone is what we used to communicate before there were smartphones. We’re looking forward to what other Transformers templates he’ll be able to come up with eventually.

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