The BIG TRACK was a futuristic six-wheeled programmable tank, which allowed the owner to enter direction and distance parameters using a keypad. Version 1 has a single-position power switch, either on or off, whereas version 2 has a 3-position power switch, centre off, forward for use on carpets, back for use on smooth floors. We love to follow cool new inventions on Kickstarter and we hunt out all the latest announcements about tech toys and gadgets for the coming Christmas holidays. Our kids technology product reviews are intended to help you work out whether a toy, gadget or kit is a good fit for your child or family.

It featured an obstruction sensor disguised as a plastic front bumper, which would stop the program when the toy got stuck. A later version, named "Planetokhod," additionally featured a shootable rotor blade as an accessory, LED head and rear lamps, and the on/off switch was relocated to the rear side.There were no LED displays or ways to display program instructions, beyond actually running the program, which was done by pressing "GO". The original optional cargo trailer uses a single D cell battery to power its electrical motor, both for driving and dumping operations, while the optional rocket launcher accessory for the Bigtrak Jr uses 3 AA batteries.

Robotics go back to the future with the retro looks of smash-hit 80s toy Bigtrak working together with high-tech smartphone technology.We're advocates of the creative use of technology, but this needs to be balanced with developing physical skills such as papercraft, woodwork, clay modelling, technical drawing and soldering. Like the original Bigtrak from the 1970s, it has an active accessory port for accessories including a rocket launcher (as an active accessory) and a drinks can carrier (as a passive accessory). It's also a great ice-breaker when children have friends around to play - it gets them up and playing instead of just wanting to use screens all of the time.