This is a robot I did back in 2001 as a proof of concept prototype.  It basically was a R/C controlled bot with a gripper claw on it.  Kids could drive it around and pick stuff up.  It also had a camera on board for remote viewing and other attachments that could be added depending on what the "mission" required.
It made it into production as the Spy Robot from Wildplanet Toys. There is a photo of the production version below.

And here's a shot from Wired magazine of the production model.

and a not so glamorous shot...








The camera did not make it on the production version as it was too expensive but it was incorporated into the Spy Video Car:

The following are not robots but I always get questions about what type of toys I design so here are some more of the SpyGear toys I designed for Wildplanet:

Spy Night Scope
A simple binocular with fold out halogen spot light.  Simple but cool action as the light has a drag gear that makes the light slowly rise up as if it is motorized.

Spy Vision Scope

A wearable telescope and led light which folds up.  Upon activation it unfolds slowly, extending and rotating into position.  Very cool effect, drag gears incorporated also for the mechanized movement.

                  

Spy Vision Goggles

These are more role play than tech but the are great for six year olds, simple head band mounted flashlights that turn on and off by raising the green translucent lenses.  There is also a cool edge lighting effect that makes the lens details glow by bleeding off light from the bulbs into the lens at each side.

Spy Tracker

A set of wireless motion detectors that report back to the base station when activated.  The base station has a lighted grid board which is used to layout the locations of the sensors.  Flashing lights and a voice warning announce any intrusions.

Super Sonic Ear
A parabolic microphone for kids,  simple amplifier and head phones let kids hear far away sounds.  The mic is detachable which allows for use thru walls or listening to heartbeats.

Invisible Beam Spy Detector
Small but powerful,  a motion detector that is about three inches in diameter and very sensitive.  Walk in front of it and a alarm will sound.

Some more of my personal projects...

Me and my "Mega Manta" electric flying wing. Six foot wingspan and very heavy with its huge nicad pack. Great in strong winds, flys rock steady.

Photo of my version of the "wally wing" slope soaring near Pacifica CA. Great plane for light lift conditions. I made inter-changable flight pods to convert it to electric flight and also a rocket pod that uses estes type engines to launch it straight up. Have been flying it for over two years, it is one of my most durable planes. It is built from a toy foam glider from Walmart. For info on how to build your own and many other inexpensive RC craft check out:    http://www.acesim.com/rc/wallywing.html

This is a blaster that I built for my girlfriend for Halloween.  She was a space bounty-hunter.  I was walking my dog, thinking about how to construct a cool looking device and low and behold there was a squirtgun sticking out of a garbage can.  I used that as the handle and the base onto which I glued various left over and scrap bits from my collection of laser cut parts.  There is a led sequencer buried in the barrel that makes a cool effect when it is turned on.
Most of the parts I glued on I shot it with flat black paint and then finished up with silver and a top coat of gun metal paint for weathering.