Optimus Prime Returns With Voice Commands, Smartphone Controls

Christmas came early for Transformers fans: Robosen Robotics and Hasbro today unveiled the new “Elite Optimus Prime”—a programmable, voice-activated, auto-converting toy that retails for $700.

Featuring more than 5,000 components—including 60 microchips controlling 27 high-precision servo motors—the 16-inch-tall Elite Edition Cybertronian is ready for battle right out of the box.

“You can walk, punch, blast, drive, and convert your Autobot leader at the touch of a button, the swipe of your finger, or at the command of your voice,” Robosen boasted, tipping an extensive library of directives like “turn left/right,” “open fire,” “say hello,” or “protect.”

First teased in 2021, the robot—engineered after the original 1980s G1 series Optimus Prime Transformer—reeks of nostalgia, but features a modern twist: an app-based remote control. Beyond built-in behaviors like morphing from semi truck to robot and back, users can customize unique actions and sequences using an iOS or Android device.

Longtime fans, meanwhile, may recognize the voice of the Elite Transformer’s 80 audio phrases as original actor Peter Cullen (also Mogwai in Gremlins, Monterey Jack in Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Rescue Rangers, and Eeyore since 1988).

“We are excited to bring this lighter, more compact Optimus Prime to fans of the franchise,” Sean Tang, director of Robosen USA, said in a statement, citing the $1,200 limited-edition Flagship Optimus Prim(Opens in a new window)e launched last year.

“The re-engineered scale offers a smooth, fast conversion, making the Elite Optimus Prime more agile and speedy,” he continued, “which we’re thrilled to once again bring to life for all our fans and customers, through our collaboration with Hasbro.”

Robosen Robotics will be showing off their latest action figure at this weekend’s TFcon Chicago 2022—the country’s largest fan-run Transformers convention. Visit Robosen.com to order your own Elite Optimus Prime(Opens in a new window), complete with Engergon Axe, Ion Blaster, and two built-in rechargeable 1200mAh lithium-ion batteries, for $699 (including foam protective travel case and charging adapter).

This robot can move around by using a 3D scanner and a map of its body position