OWIKit’s Robotic Arm Edge Chosen as a “Best Pick for 2008” by Dr. Toy

Oct. 7, 2008 - PRLog -- Carson, Calif.—OWIKits, Inc announced today that the company’s Robotic Arm Edge building kit was named a “Best Pick of 2008” by Dr. Toy, aka Stevanne Auerbach, PhD., Director of the San Francisco, California-- based Institute for Childhood Resources. The Dr. Toy awards have been presented annually since 1995, and are widely accepted in the toy industry as a badge of special recognition. This is the sixth Dr. Toy Award OWIKit has received.

“OWIKit is especially pleased to receive this award as it validates our commitment to finding fun ways to introduce kids to the wonders of robotics and science,” said Craig Morioka, President of OWI Inc. “The Robotic Arm Edge kit is a terrific way to acquaint students with gears, wiring and motors, and the best part is they end up with a fully functional robotic arm,” Morioka added.

Robotic Arm Edge
The Robotic Arm Edge is the newest version of the award winning Robotic Arm Trainer. Users can command the gripper to open and close or rotate in a variety of base, elbow or wrist type directions. The Arm can lift and carry up to 100 grams of weight. Five gearboxes, joints and motors power this unique product. Also included is an innovative search light design on the gripper and a safety gear audible indicator is included on all five-gear boxes to prevent any potential injury or gear breakage during operation. For ages 10 and up, the Robotic Arm Edge is designed for the future engineer who has some experience assembling kits with small parts. The Robotic Arm Edge has an SRP of $53.95.

Availability and Purchase
OWIKits are available for purchase nationwide at a variety of popular educational outlets, toy stores, craft and hobby stores or online at http://www.robotikitsdirect.com.

About Dr. Toy
Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., aka “Dr. Toy” has been evaluating and speaking about the power of play through toys and children’s products for more than 40 years. She is a parent educator, consultant, and playful grandparent. She was a teacher and staff member of the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Economic Opportunity, where she evaluated educational programs, approved the first grant to “Sesame Street,” organized the first in-house child care center for federal employees’ children, and developed a federal research program on child care.

She is Director of the non-profit Institute for Childhood Resources in San Francisco. The Dr. Toy awards programs featured on www.drtoy.com recognize the best educationally oriented, developmentally appropriate and skill-building products. Dr. Toy’s Guide (www.drtoy.com) features over 4,000 product reviews, links to manufacturers, interviews and articles by Dr. Toy, plus hundreds of Best Products including high to low tech, games, puzzles, creative and learning products.

About OWI RobotiKits
In 1980, RobotiKits Direct’s parent company, OWI Incorporated, was looking for a way to expand its consumer product lines and bring its extensive technology background to the educational community. RobotiKits were developed to affordably introduce students to robotics, science and solar technology.

The kits are available in five difficultly levels--ranging from beginners with no experience up to advanced circuit board soldering and mechanical assembly-- challenging builders from grade school to adult. In conjunction with educators, RobotiKits Direct has developed a fully structured teaching curriculum with modules tailored to the kit’s unique electronic and mechanical features.

RobotiKits Direct is a leading supplier of robotic, building and solar kits to schools, science clubs, science education centers and science camps. The kits are available at hobby, educational, toy and museum stores nationwide. For more information on RobotiKits and to view the entire product line visit:  www.robotikitsdirect.com.

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Contact:
Barbara Stracner
Antarra Communications
Tel. 714-891-3660 x10
bstracner@antarra.com

(c) 2008 OWI Inc. All rights reserved.
Specifications are subject to change without notice. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

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