If you bought the Robosen Transformers G1 Bumblebee robot toy, brace yourself—this news might make you jump out of your seat. Ready? There’s an auto-converting version now. That’s right, the Robosen G1 Bumble Auto-converting Robot Toy exists, and unlike the 2023 model, this one actually transforms.
For starters, it can convert between a fully licensed Volkswagen Beetle [CH] and a robot all on its own—a massive upgrade from its predecessor, which stayed in bot mode permanently. This isn’t just any Beetle, either. It’s a model-grade replica with high-gloss automotive paint, giving it that timeless vintage charm.
Under the hood, it’s packed with 67 microchips, 31 high-precision joints, and a six-axis sensor, making its movements feel eerily smooth. The front wheels even have a newly developed steering system, allowing for fluid, snake-like maneuvers in vehicle mode.
But Bumblebee isn’t just about looks and fancy tricks. You can control it with voice commands or an app, unlocking battle stances and custom animations. Want to get creative? Robosen Studio lets you program custom actions and even sync them up with other Robosen bots for coordinated action sequences.
Measuring 377 x 192 x 210 mm (14.8 x 7.6 x 8.3 inches) in robot mode and weighing 2.3 kg (5 lbs), this little guy is no lightweight. It charges via USB-C, taking 120 minutes to go from empty to full, and runs for 60 minutes in between charges.
Now, for the part that might sting: the price. The Robosen G1 Bumble Auto-converting Robot Toy is going for 8,499 yuan (around US$1,180), with an early bird price of 5,899 yuan [CH] (around US$820). A premium price for a premium bot—but hey, who wouldn’t want a Bumblebee that finally transforms itself?
Apparently, it has been launched in China, and some fans are already getting their copies. Internationally, it is supposed to launch in an hour or so. So, fans outside of China, keep your eyes peeled on the product page.
[UPDATE Mar 27, 2025, 5:50 PM PST] The Robosen G1 Bumble Auto-converting Robot Toy is available to order at a special pre-order price of US$949 (U.P. US$1,299), with shipping in July-September 2025
Images: Robosen Robotics [CH].
