Robot dog Teksta named the UK’s best toy

A robotic hound called Teksta has been crowned top dog at the UK’s 2013 Toy Industry Awards.

Toy company Character Options were on hand to pick up the award on behalf of the dog.

The robo-pooch has  technology that enables it to execute a variety of tricks. People can interact with Teksta using hand gestures to make it walk and talk, while it also reacts to sounds, light and movements. Of course the clever canine is controllable via a smartphone, and compatible with iOS or Android based devices.

Our favourite party trick from this robotic dog is the crowd pleasing 360 degree flip.

We named Teksta in our top tech toys for Christmas.

The toy awards ceremony also recognised a range of best toys form other categories.

Here’s the list in full…

Collectable Range Toy of the Year  Robofish by Zuru, Geemac
Action Toy of the Year                 Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18, Hasbro
Construction Toy of the Year         Friends Dolphin Cruiser,            LEGO
Pre-School Toy of the Year           Toot-Toot Drivers Train Station, Vtech
Pre-School License Toy of the Year        Doc McStuffins Doctor’s Bag Set, Flair
Action Game of the Year                       Gooey Louie, John Adams
Board Game of the Year                        Monopoly Empire, Hasbro
Innovative Toy of the Year                          Furby Boom! Hasbro
Outdoor Toy of the Year                             Smart Trike, Mookie
Fashion Doll of the Year                          Monster High 13 Wishes Dolls, Mattel
Lifestyle Toy of the Year  ChillFactor Squeeze Cup Slushy Maker, Character Options
Supplier of the Year                                   John Adams Leisure Ltd

Toy of the Year                                 Teksta Robotic Puppy, Character Options

Toy industry official Alan Simpson, Chairman of the Toy Retailers association, said: “The year was marked by an excellent range of innovations across most sectors of the industry and the sun blessed our outdoor category bringing traditional favourites into the warmth.  The continued rapid rise in on-line trading does however threaten many high street retailers whilst a small number of the larger ones gain share.  The best suppliers recognise that consumers need access to toys to help their children develop and so support a full range of channels with excellent service and products children enjoy.”

About Peter Jenkinson

Toyologist Pete Jenkinson regularly writes about toys in national newspapers like The Sun and The Mail. This super-dad has an unmatched passion and dedication for trying and testing the latest, coolest and most interesting offerings from the world of toys.

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