Demo Abstract: SmartSync; When Toys Meet Wireless Sensor Networks

Since ancient times, toys have captured the imagination of children the world over with major roles in learning and entertainment. This chapter presents SmartSync, a platform for interactive toys using ultra low power Wireless Sensor/Actuation Network (WSN) technologies. These technologies are integrated into a number of off-the shelf micro-robots and colour LED arrays, making them fully autonomous. A demo system has been developed in which wireless micro-robots and the colour LED arrays interact with a wireless microphone to create an interactive concert scenario. The LED lights and dancing robots are synchronised with music through the WSN. In the final demonstration, the effectiveness of the dancing robots and lights are shown when they respond to traditional Irish music. The WSN interface added improves versatility and accessibility to such toys at a very low cost and low power overhead. This work represents a first step in the development of intelligent interfaces for enhanced interaction with toys for children, especially for those with disabilities.