Players will need to supply their own iOS or Android devices to control a car through a free downloadable app. The indicator lights on them illustrate what’s going on (such as brake lights indicating when they’re damaged). The cars are relatively durable, having crashed and dropped them a few times during play.

Their stylish designs add to the futuristic feel of Anki DRIVE (which is also emulated in the graphics and music in the app). The cars are also the perfect size, near the dimensions of a Hot Wheels model car. The corners of the mat do curl up when unwound due to being rolled when stored, so we had to use weights to keep the edges down. Fortunately, the track–for playing purposes–is an ideal size, not too small but still tight enough for fast races. The mat rolls up tightly on its spindle, which is helpful considering how large it is when unrolled, taking up much of an average-sized room. While the box is certainly long due to the dimensions of the track mat it holds, it’s still relatively compact. The heavy-duty cardboard box is durable enough to hold the contents inside, which are organized in sectioned compartments. Having spaces built in for available expansions smartly encourages you to retain the box for storage (while also being a subliminal enticement to buy more). All the glossy, black packaging and sleek artistic flairs on the box make it one attractive package. Lean More: Read more about Anki and how its exciting car racing works! While that may sound inconvenient, it is a certainly a quick charge and provides a good opportunity to take a break. They lose their charge in about 30 minutes (according to our experience) but re-charge in about 10 minutes. The cars are rechargeable and plug into provided consoles that then plug into the wall. When it leaves the track, the car will move in circles to search for a line to continue on. During play, cars can race around the track in traditional lap racing and/or attack other cars using virtual weapons. These cars rely on infrared emitters and a lens that functions as an optical sensor, following lines on a large mat that keep them in place.

Through the app, “drivers” can set up profiles, control the movements of a car on the track, launch digital “weapons” at other cars, earn points for winning matches, and redeem points to customize their car’s performance. The vehicles are controlled via Wi-Fi signals through an interactive app run on smartphones or other devices. Their first product launched, Anki DRIVE, employs artificial intelligence in miniature, motorized cars. Founded in 2010, the company is headed by graduates who want to bring cutting-edge robotics technology into the average home in entertaining, innovative ways. Smallest Epic Ever: Check out this awesome video starring remote-control cars and dronesĪnki, a robotics and artificial intelligence company, originated from the work of Carnegie Mellon University alumni. # of Players: 2 (can expand to 4 with additional cars) I recently had the chance to try Anki DRIVE, and despite the set being a few years old, the hi-tech toy didn’t fail to excite my inner child and revive the fun of miniature car racing in me.

Combining mobile digital technology with remote-controlled robotics and old-fashioned slot car fun, Anki DRIVE stirred the youthful wonder of many people upon its release. I still remember having to tweak those metal strips so they made contact with the electric path.īut as time progressed and digital racing replaced dusty old electric toys, I wished that there was some way to make slot car racing appealing again to today’s consumers. Apparently, I wasn’t the only kid who grew up and had that thought.Īnki made global headlines with its innovative Anki DRIVE racing system. I loved the thrill of going toe-to-toe on the track and seeing my opponent’s car spin off when a curve was taken too sharply. When I was a kid, I used to set up my dad’s old slot car track in the basement and race those delicate plastic cars with him for hours. Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page Send by Email

Anki drive starter kit unboxing