WowWee MiP — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | WowWee |
|---|---|
| Model | MiP |
| Year | 2014 |
| Category | Entertainment |
| Autonomy | semi-autonomous |
| Environment | indoor |
| Price (USD) | $59–$99 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, WowWee App |
| Country of origin | CA |
Key features
- Self-balancing dual-wheel gyroscopic design
- Gesture control via infrared sensors
- Built-in tray for carrying objects
- Bluetooth app control with programmable sequences
- Demonstrates inverted pendulum balancing physics
- Fun interactive sounds and expressions
- $79 accessible price point
What is it?
MiP is a palm-sized self-balancing robot that uses dual wheels and a gyroscopic balance system (mobile inverted pendulum) to navigate, carry objects on its built-in tray, and respond to hand gesture inputs.
Who is it for?
Kids aged 8+ and technology-curious adults wanting a fun introduction to robot balancing. Parents seeking a robot toy with genuine technical novelty beyond simple wheeled robots. Educators demonstrating inverted pendulum physics in an engaging format.
Key specs
- Balance system: Dual-wheel inverted pendulum (gyroscope)
- Control: Bluetooth app, gesture detection (IR)
- Tray: Built-in tray for carrying small objects
- Sounds: Built-in sounds for emotional expression
- Battery: AA batteries
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
- Price: ~$79
- Origin: Canada
What makes MiP interesting
MiP is not just a toy — it demonstrates the gyroscopic self-balancing principle that underpins Segway personal transporters, bipedal robot walking, and drone stabilisation. For kids, controlling a balancing robot and watching it recover from nudges is genuinely educational.
Limitations
- App support may be limited on newer iOS/Android versions
- Battery life limited with AA batteries
- Two-wheel design struggles on non-flat surfaces
- Limited programmability beyond app sequences
FAQ
How does MiP self-balance?
MiP uses a gyroscope and accelerometer system to continuously measure and correct its tilt angle, adjusting wheel speed to maintain balance — the same inverted pendulum principle used in Segways and bipedal robots.
Can you gesture-control MiP without the app?
Yes. MiP has infrared gesture sensors that respond to hand movements without requiring a smartphone — wave a hand to make it follow, raise both hands to make it stop.
Can MiP carry objects?
Yes. MiP has a small tray on its torso that can carry lightweight objects like a drink can or small box while balancing — a fun feature that demonstrates its balance stability.
Is MiP suitable for kids?
MiP is recommended for ages 8 and up. It has no sharp parts and the self-balancing behaviour is safe for home use.
Is MiP still available?
MiP was discontinued by WowWee. It may be found on secondary markets. WowWee's current interactive robot lineup has evolved beyond the MiP platform.