OWI’s Solar Recycler Is a Ray of Sunshine

All science and technology owes its innovations to the men and women who made the early discoveries and laid the groundwork for the products that we know today. OWI Inc. is a company that was on the forefront of the tech toy business and is still offering impressive products to kids in the 21st century.

The year was 1980, and robots were emerging as the new trend. The first of a flood of robot-related movies and TV shows had begun to appear, and the possibility of building, programming and even living side by side with robots was seen as a fantastic dream that might just come true. At the time, California-based company OWI was only 2 years young but already seeking out ways to expand their line of inventory and widen their customer base.

As a leading distributor of sound systems for educational facilities, OWI was in a great position to develop a line of products aimed at students, so their Robotikits and OWIKits were born. These kits enabled users to build real, working robots and other machines. They came in a variety of styles and difficulty levels, starting from beginner and going all the way up to experienced builder level. Schools loved OWI products because they helped get young people excited about science through fun, hands-on activities. OWI was ahead of its time in introducing kids to alternative energy through various solar-powered building projects. Products of this kind are still among their best sellers today.

The Super Solar Recycler is one of OWI’s best-selling toy kits. This kit allows a child to use various discarded items – old CD ROMs, plastic bottles, aluminum cans – to create one of five 100% solar-powered robots that really work. For example, the Robot Drummer can rock out on an aluminum can, and even change tempo. The Street roller uses old CDs as its wheels to make its way through your neighborhood, powered by the sun’s rays.

In addition to teaching the basics of mechanics, the kit also promotes environmental awareness by encouraging creative use of recyclables. The racer is a great project that kids and parents can work together to make, and it comes at a reasonable price. The Super Solar Recycler was recently recognized by being named Dr. Toy’s Best Green Toy. This award goes to innovative products and companies that are working toward making an important difference in playthings while reducing the impact of production.

See this and other eco-friendly toys at www.owirobot.com