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No batteries, just sun: a tiny solar cockroach that shakes when the light hits the cell on its back.
I bought a solar-powered cockroach (more beetle-looking) on Amazon for fun. The packaging says when it is exposed to sunlight a mini engine starts shaking — no batteries — and it can spin as if looking for food, plus it is meant as a teaching aid about solar power. My original geni.us link was dead, so the button goes to a current solar-powered roach listing. Here’s what it actually does outside.
- No batteries
- Actually wiggles in sun
- Cheap silly science demo
- Wire legs and antennae look the part
- Does not walk — mostly vibrates in place
- Needs decent sunlight
- Entertainment window is short unless you are easily amused
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
Unboxing
Wire legs, plastic body, flexible antennae, and a crystal-looking solar cell on the back. I thought the legs would walk; the copy is really about shaking.
Sun test
Late-day sun was low, but once the cell was uncovered it started wiggling — an insect-type shake, not a walk. If you or your kids are easily impressed, it will entertain for a bit.
Verdict
A little wiggling solar cockroach. Fun for a minute and a simple way to show light-to-motion without batteries.
FAQ
Does it need batteries?
No. A solar cell on the back powers it.
Does it walk?
Mine mostly shook and wiggled in place.
Good teaching toy?
As a basic solar-power demo, yes.
Why a new link?
The old geni.us short link returned 404; the box goes to a current solar roach listing.
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