Timed to coincide with the release of the new Simpsons movie, a Homer Simpson-skinned version of Wowwee’s Robosapien toy has just been sighted trampling Springfield in various gadget shops on the Internet. It appears that the product is primarily available in the UK, as I’ve yet to find a North American shop that’s selling one.

Regardless, Homersapien features a bevy of features that Simpsons fans should recognize. Here’s an excerpt from a product description over at UK-based retailer Gadgetshop:

With 67 new pre-programmed functions, Homersapien can pick up objects, throw objects, kick objects and dance around the room as well as the more expected “Homerisms” such as belching, snoring, farting, and the classic Homer “Doh!” – he’s even programmed with a number of Kung Fu moves! Homersapien is pre-programmed with catchphrases galore taken from all manner of shows from various series’ and even has his own Krusty Burger cup which he holds so dear.

Now that everyone’s favorite underachieving (albeit lovable) slacker had been roboticized, will he go the way of Futurama’s Bender and turn to the consumption of alcohol for energy? Or perhaps the Asahi beer-bot can be modded to dispense Duff-brand beer? Regardless, it’s clear that Homer has more technical wherewithal than we’ve previously given him credit for. (Source: Gadgetshop) [- Jeff James]

As a follow-up to its successful line of robotics products, WowWee will be releasing the new Roboreptile later this year. A post by Peter Pachal over at the SciFi Channel tech blog provides some details, including news that the new gadget will retail for around $120 or so.

Pachal had a chance to see the Roboreptile in operation, and includes a few impressions in his post:

You can control the toothy robot directly from the remote control, but it’s more fun the let the little guy (2¼ feet long) roam around, relying on its infrared sensors to guide it. Set loose on the kitchen floor, Roboreptile will run speedily along on all fours, avoiding obstacles, until it encounters a potential threat (Fido, perhaps), whereupon it’ll switch to biped mode to “attack.”

Check out Pachal’s blog post or visit the newly-launched official Roboreptile site for more details. (Source: WowWee, SciFi Tech blog) – [Jeff James]