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Robot technology is advancing to the point that manufacturers are creating machines that are really close to people. The other side, however, concerning the world of robots concerns children's and leisure versions. With the Maze Breaker and the Silverlit Pokibot, young and old will be delighted.

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBujI0gA8Gc (/ embed)

Mark : Silverlit
Category: Robots
Connection: Wireless
Compatibility: iOS / Android
Price: 20.99 € / 17.99 €
Availability: Available
Tested with: Samsung Galaxy S4 mini
Buy the Maze Breaker robot:

Buy the Pokibot robot:

Unboxing of Maze Breaker and Pokibot

Unpacking the robots was complicated. First, the packaging is made of cardboard and plastic; all wrapped in scotch tape to block the structure. Arm yourself with a good knife throughout this unboxing, you will need it!

Each piece of scotch tape is very tight and therefore unpacking will be complicated. Once the box has been opened more or less cleanly, the structure on which the robot rests must be removed. Rest assured, the process is exactly the same for both devices.

Behind this structure, there is also a user manual and a circuit for the robot. However, to withdraw the latter, the case is quite different. It is securely tied by two plastic end caps on the back, but also strings of the same material on the robot. After this long work, you can almost enjoy the robot.

Indeed, to be really ready to use the robot, it must be equipped with batteries. And despite the complete unboxing, no battery is in sight! Using a screwdriver, remove the screw that secures the Maze Breaker's rigid cover. The latter works with two AAA batteries, against one for the Pokibot.

Maze Breaker Design and Ergonomics

The Maze Breaker robot has an original shape and appearance. The robot can be held in the palm of your hand. Its dimensions are 12 cm high, 9.5 wide and 6 cm deep. For its part, the Pokibot is a smaller model: 7.5 cm high, 4.5 deep and 5 wide. In addition, the latter has a notch to place a strap and take it everywhere.

The larger of the two is available in two different colors: white or black. Under its false airs of R.O.B, taken out of its Nintendo console, the Maze Breaker has a design which sticks with its robot function, and this in spite of its aspect of toy for children. For its part, the Pokibot does not look like a Pokémon, but like a playful robot. On the other hand, in terms of sound design, the two robots are clearly inspired by R2-D2.

As for its ergonomics, there is not much to say. Except that the Maze Breaker has two wheels 4 cm in diameter, notched for better movement. These two wheels are assisted by a third at the rear playing the role of "rudder" in order to steer the robot as is the case for his friend.

The interface is not very intuitive. The state of the robots is symbolized by the LEDs located at eye level. Via a fairly simple color code to enter: red, they do not obey; yellow, awaiting orders; and green, they run.

Application of Silverlit robots

To supplement the use of robots, Silverlit also offers an application called SpringRobots. Obviously, the application is available on iOS and Android. In addition, it only weighs 27MB and therefore takes up little space on the smartphone.

This consists of a cloud where you can also control other robots of the brand. To operate the application, you must start the robot in position I. On your smartphone, you need to turn on Wi-Fi to be ready to use.

The first thing to say about the application is that it is very superficial, whether for the Maze Breaker or the Pokibot. The application interface is simplistic, buttons numbered 1 to 6 to select the robot dances. In addition to this, the menu also offers a simulated directional pad to order the item.

The main problem with this application is the latency due to the fact that the robot is forced to hear the sound made by your smartphone when you activate a command. This will react with a latency of 4-5 seconds depending or simply will not execute your orders.

Get started with Maze Breaker and Pokibot

If the Maze Breaker application allows you to touch one of the many ways to use the robot, it is not a panacea either. It is also possible to operate the robot manually. To do this, simply move the cursor from the I to the “tracking” symbol.

Via the labyrinthine paper provided, simply place the robot on its way so that it advances alone. There are two ways to use tracking: either use the black lines to define a perimeter for the robot, or make it follow a path.

On the Pokibot side, if it is unable to do what has been presented, it can perform the other functions available on the Maze Breaker. The robot is therefore able to react to noise and remains waiting for your orders as the yellowish color of the LEDs that make its eyes indicate it. Clap your hands and the robot will react.

In the same line, the two robots are also able to record your voice. You need to press the REC button and speak for it to record you. Then, like a parrot, repeat with more or less accuracy what you told him.

The Maze Breaker and Pokibot facing the competition

The Maze Breaker and Pokibot robots are a rather surprising anomaly on the market. Their prices do not exceed 20 € and yet their service offer is worth much more. In addition, the factor that makes the testing of these robots complicated is that they do not have real price competitors.

One of the only robots that can meet the same criteria as Silverlit’s friends, this is the i-Que Vivid. This one has a humanoid form, but also a mobile application in addition to use. However, where robots have a Wi-Fi connection for their application, the i-Que has a Bluetooth connection.

However, the main defect of the i-Que robot is exclusively dependent on its application. Conversely, Silverlit robots are much more autonomous. Similarly, the two robots tested only need 2 and 1 AAA batteries respectively while their competitor requires 4!

The i-Que was released for € 80, but is currently available for around twenty euros. The two robots in the Silverlit range are undoubtedly much better than their competitor in terms of value for money.

Conclusion on the Maze Breaker

Despite the fact that the Silverlit robots are a range of toys, the Maze Breaker and the Pokibot are quality objects. Their design is completely childish: for proof, the sound effects of the robots remind those of the droid R2-D2. On the other hand, the application is quickly forgettable, firstly because it is limited but also because it is necessary to activate the sound of the smartphone so that the robots react to orders. On the other hand, on the quality / price ratio of the robots, this is largely valid in comparison to all that robots are capable of.