Shopping for toy robots? Read this before you buy

Before you buy a toy robot, you must check out this report!

Is a toy robot on your last-minute shopping list?

There has been a robot revolution this holiday season, with lots of them to choose from.

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Your child may really want one, but which to pick? Consumer Reports's expert testers checked them out, with some help from some little helpers.
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Five different toy robots went through the tests for responsiveness, sophistication, and overall fun factor. And then, they handed the controls over to a tougher crowd.

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Hottest toys of 2016

Zoomer Chimp, $78
The SpinMaster Zoomer Chimp is a personality-filled robot who responds to voice commands in English or French.

He doesn't need a mobile device to work, but after 20 minutes of play, the chimp needs an hour of recharging.

Wowwee CHiP, $200
The Wowwee CHiP was popular, but took time to get the hang of. He responds to verbal commands, head taps and signals from a wristband.

CHiP is supposed to fetch a smart ball, but one of Consumer Reports's models never mastered it, even using the lengthy instructions that don't come in the box.

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Sphero BB-8, $150
The Star Wars bot is controlled by a mobile app that lets you steer him around obstacles, chirping and tweeting all the while. He was a big favorite.

Anki Cozmo, $179
The Cozmo robot charmed kids with fun games like 'Quick Tap' and 'Keep Away' using little power cubes.

It's packed with technology like facial recognition, and has a software development kit so tech-minded kids can program him.

PHOTOS: Child safety group releases list of unsafe toys

James Swartz, director of World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc., pulls back the rubber band on a Catapencil, a combination pencil and slingshot.AP

James Swartz, director of World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc., holds up toy machine gun at Children's Franciscan Hospital in Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014.AP

James Swartz, director of World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc., holds up a string on a children's pull toy at Children's Franciscan Hospital in Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014.AP

James Swartz, director of World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc., holds up toy battle hammer at Children's Franciscan Hospital in Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014.AP

Joan Siff, president of World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc., holds up toy bow at Children's Franciscan Hospital in Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014.AP

"Bottle Rocket Party", which made the annual list of worst toys, at Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014.AP

Wooden instruments toy, which made the annual list of worst toys, at Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014.AP

Radio Flyer "Ziggle", which made the annual list of worst toys, at Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014.AP

"Lil Cutesies" doll, which made the annual list of worst toys, at Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014.AP

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Dash, $150
If you are looking for a robot toy that grows with your child, check out Wonder Workshop's Dash.

The robot has five age-appropriate apps, from simple movement and sound commands, to showing tweens the fundamentals of coding.
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Something to consider: Most of these robots are controlled by apps downloaded on your smartphone or a tablet.

So, in other words your toys will become their toys, so definitely plan accordingly.

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AP Photo/Richard Drew