Just nuts.

[via reddit]

Gizmodo recently got a tour of Hasbro’s workshop that’s nestled in its Providence, Rhode Island headquarters. It’s here that toy makers create the next generation of Transformers with the help of 3D printers. It’s an incredibly fascinating look at how 3D printers are helping to reduce the time required to move a toy from prototype to full on production model.

GIZMODO – Inside Hasbro: Model Shop Magic from Gizmodo on Vimeo.

It’s safe to assume that toys were a major part of your childhood, as they were mine. It’s nice to see that toy companies are on the cutting edge of innovation when it comes to 3D printers and stereolithography machines.

[h/t: 3ders]

Well, these two guys did the same thing, in a different (and cooler) way. And at least one of them is sensible enough to appreciate the creme.

[Oreo]

The play sets, branded as “LEGO Friends,” star a group of named girls (Mia, Emma, Andrea, Stephanie, and Olivia) who live in a highly pink-themed world and interact with animal friends and each other. It’s Barbie-like, but with a definite LEGO aesthetic. One set in particular, called “Olivia’s House,” became LEGO’s best-selling set last year.

“We entered 2012 with high expectations for LEGO Friends but also with a lot of anxiety as we have historically never been very successful attracting girls to our play offers,” said Mads Nipper, CMO of LEGO. “That is why it has been amazing to experience the enthusiastic welcome, which consumers have given the new range, as well as know that we through LEGO Friends have managed to introduce LEGO play to millions of girls who had never received a LEGO product before.”

LEGO reported that demand for LEGO Friends sets was so high that the company had trouble shipping enough of the products. This is despite LEGO doubling the production for LEGO Friends sets last year.

LEGO stated that the Friends product line was developed over four years with the help of over 3,500 girls and mothers. The goal was to learn why girls had not, in the past, been compelled to play with modern LEGOs.

“The girls we talked to let us understand that they really wanted a LEGO offering that mirrors what the boys experience, but in a way that fulfills their unique desire for redesign and details and combined with realistic themes in community and friendship,” said Nanna Gundum, LEGO VP in charge of LEGO Friends development.

MakieLab, a London-based toy company, announced today that its first toy line, Makies, have passed certified as safe for children three and up in Europe. They will be the first 3D printed toy on the continent to bear the CE mark.

So, what does a 3D printed doll look like? A combination of nightmare fuel and Child’s Play reruns:

I’m sure some children will absolutely adore these things, but I’ve always been terrified of dolls. It’s mostly the eyes, and these dolls definitely fulfill the creepy eye quota.

Putting my fear of dolls aside, this is a big deal for 3D printers. It means that 3D printed products are finally entering the mainstream and getting government approval.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to attend therapy for my irrational fear of dolls.

[h/t: 3ders]

The first set of the collectibles will include seven different figures, including Connor, Haytham Kenway. Two different Connor figures are being made, one with the character in the traditional assassin cloaks and one with the character in his Ratonhnhaké:ton outfit from the upcoming “The Tyranny of King Washington” DLC add-on.

There is no date set for when the figures will be released, but the prototypes for the items will be on display at the International Toy Fair next week. The toys will be be around six inches tall and will have “an average of 25 points of articulation.” They will cost $15 to $16 and will be found at most toy retailers throughout North America, South America, and Australia.

The figures will also come with a code that provides “exclusive” Assassin’s Creed video game content, such as weapons and character outfits.

“We’re always looking to raise the bar with our figures, and Ubisoft has been a great partner to help make that happen,” said Todd McFarlane, CEO of McFarlane Toys. “These will be the first McFarlane Toys to include integration with the game itself. Our Assassin’s Creed figures will include codes that unlock unique content in game – things like new weapons, clothing colors, or other customization options. Features like this reward the hardcore fans who buy the figures, and give collectors some added value.”

Theo Jansen, a Dutch kinetic artist, recently uploaded a video of a design that he calls Animaris Geneticus Parvus, or Strandbeest for short. It’s a walking mechanism that’s powered by a number of small joints that allow the Strandbeest to walk forward. When adding the Propeller Propulsion add-on, it comes to life and moves on its own.

Jansen sells the Strandbeest itself for $96, and the propellor add-on is a little under $40. You can get both for $136 and have your very own autonomous wind powered ‘toy.’

Speaking of toys, here’s some amazing puzzles from noted designer M. Oskar van Deventer who says these designs can’t be made without the aid of 3D printers.

An analyst with Needham and Company are saying that toy companies are starting to get a little scared for their futures. Kids are becoming increasingly interested in tablets and other technologies instead of the toys that generations past were so invested in. In fact, a recent survey of children found that many wanted iPads, iPhones and other devices for Christmas. Of course, the survey only asked about interest in technology-related gifts, but it could be inferred that kids really do want tablets instead of toys.

For their part, Mattel and Hasbro are putting on a brave face. The companies say that nothing is wrong, but you can see the signs of change in their core business. The biggest toys retailer in the U.S., Toys-R-Us, unveiled its own tablet for kids in September called the Tabeo. It’s pretty obvious that what’s considered fun and entertaining for children is changing when even the toy stores are starting to give premium exposure to tablets.

So what can these companies do to stave off their own demise? Get with the times and offer more technology related toys and products. There are ways to tie toys into tablets and video games. Activision proved that last year with the amazingly successful Skylanders that makes kids buy toys to unlock more characters in the game. Mattel could start up a new He-Man toy line and tie it into the latest mobile title for additional unlocks or bonuses. There are plenty of ways for traditional companies to embrace technology while staying true to their core focus. It’s just a matter of finding a solution.

[h/t: BGR]

Chillingo, a mobile games publisher, got the rights to create a game based on He-Man. It looks to be your standard beat-em-up, but with He-Man doing the beating up. Here’s the first trailer:

I have to admit – the game at least nails the spirit of the original series. All the major heroes and villains are represented in the game. The only problem is that little voice acting shown in the trailer proves that they didn’t get a single original voice back for this project. He-Man sounds completely wrong, and Skeletor’s amazing voice is nowhere near the same pitch it needs to be at.

Thankfully, it seems that Chillingo will have tongue firmly planted in cheek with this game. They have to with a game title like “He-Man: The Most Powerful Game In The Universe.” Anything else would be a gross abuse of such a stupid title.

Of course, the real challenge here is Chillingo finding somebody who still cares about He-Man. Beyond a few hardcore collectors, there aren’t that many fans around anymore. The cartoon reboot that came out in 2002 was pretty good, but the average kid will probably not even remember it.

Regardless, I’m glad that somebody is keeping the He-Man spirit alive. It may not have been the best cartoon, but Skeletor is one of my favorite villains of all time. It would be a shame if he was lost to the annals of cartoon-based product placement history.

“Like the first series, humans include multiple interchangeable accessories and several points of articulation for limitless possibility and customization. Each zombie figure features unique, gory play action,” AMC notes in a blog post.

Figures to be available include (images from Amazon):

Shane Walsh

Deputy Rick Grimes

Bicycle Girl Zombie

Well Zombie

RV Zombie

There is also a black and white zombie 3-pack, according to AMC.

The figures can be found at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Clarktoys.com, FYE, GameStop, Hastings, Toys ‘R’ Us, and Toys ‘R’ Us Canada. They’re currently available for pre-order.

The third season of the show begins on Sunday.

More The Walking Dead fun here.