While some recoil at the thought, bugs and insects are just plain interestingâ€"there’s something undeniably cool about our more-than-four-legged friends. And while you may not readily admit to owning a Starship Troopers DVD (or its priced-to-own sequels), maybe your ears always perked up 
a bit when the subject of insects came about in high school biology class. So you might be tempted by the i-Robot Beetle, a small, detailed, cockroach-like robot (complete with antennae) that can be readily controlled from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Similar to assorted robot kits that you might find on the market, the Beetle moves about on six thin, plastic legs, can be recharged via a USB port, and features a nifty LED-lit, glowing abdomen that activates when turned on. The Beetle, once deployed, can move forward, backward, left, and right, as well as repeat recent motions and vary its speeds as desired. A transmitter attaches to the audio jack on your iOS device and emits shrill squeaking sounds as the Beetle scuttles around. You control it with the free i-Robot app, which is simple to figure out: just press the directional buttons or tilt your device in the direction you want the bug to go.While it’s fun to surprise friends by sending the Beetle scurrying toward them across the table (your coworkers will love being surprised by a robotic cockroach as they’re relaxing in the break room eating chicken Caesar wraps), there’s limited appeal. The Beetle proves fun for
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