I still own two of these. One is the original Topo and the other is B.O.B. I still have Apple computers and a Franklin computer that you could run LOGO on to program them. Talk about a blast from the past.
Using corny sci-fi examples to show off new tech has been standard in pop journalism like this. As a kid born in the early 70s, the Star Wars references were a welcome update from them still comparing tech to stuff from Flash Gordon or Buck Rogers. I was into real-life tech and I hated that the sci-fi references would eat 2 minutes out of already superficial 5 minute piece.
I just got one of these, not really sure what to do with it. I can turn it on and make it move by the button on its head. What else can they do? I know you can hook them up to an old apple 2 computer and control them with a joy stick but that sounds like it could be hard to find and do now a days.
@@thewaystelander9148 - TOPO were basically just remote-controlled toys. If I recall, they had a "turtle graphics" program that ran on an Apple ][ computer where you'd program a path and TOPO would follow it. I don't remember that it did much else. Put a drink on it, type how to bring it to your spouse in the livingroom and say something cute. Their BOB robot looked identical, but Brains On Board meant that it had its own computer inside that you could actually program. I doubt if the included software was very sophisticated, but you could conceivably program or hack it to perform some task based upon sensor input. Like switching the lights on once it gets dark, or activating a burglar alarm if it detects movement.
