Nintendo Robotic Operating Buddy
item #NES-012 by Nintendo

This little robot (commonly called R.O.B.) was sold as part of the Nintendo Entertainment System although only two games were ever released for use with him - Gyromite and Stack-Up.

The interface between R.O.B. and the NES was actually pretty unique for it's time. It didn't use a wired connection or infrared or even RF. It sensed flashes from the television screen. Just make sure that his eyes are facing the TV and he will work flawlessly. You won't be able to distinguish the flashes yourself unless you put the game in 'test mode.' The flashes will be sped up and you'll be able to see them. Once R.O.B. is aimed properly, the red LED on his head will light up.

From what I gather from the Gyromite instruction manual, the object of the game is to keep a pair of gyroscopes spinning while the game is being played. I don't have a copy of this game yet, so I could be mistaken. Here is an excerpt from the manual:

In this action-packed game you've got to keep R.O.B.'s gyroscope spinning in order to assist Professor Hector, the mad scientist, in defusing all the bombs in his laboratory. R.O.B. will move the columns blocking he scientist's way so he can get to the dynamite before it explodes. Master the technique and you can get R.O.B. spinning two gyros at the same time. But don't take your eyes off the screen for too long-because anything can happen in Gyromite!

Year Released: 1985
Original Price: $

Technical Specifications:
Power Supply: 4 x AA batteries

Arm Movement Range:
   300° left-right with five stopping points
   2.75" up-down with six stopping points
   2.75" between hands when open
Head Movement Range:
   45° tilt up-down

Dimensions: 9½" tall x 6" wide
Weight: 1.46 lbs