My 4.5yo is pretty set on a Robot for Christmas, ideally not remote control, although he does like RoboSapiens (convieniently 20% off at ToysRus this weekend).

Anything else I should consider? It needs to respond to his input, and ideally get his milk and biscuits for him in the evening…

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/now-im-not-one-for-cockroaches-but

Totally unhelpful, but I get to play with one of these at work:
ABB

Snip at £14K.

Hal

Cybug scarab is ace. Got to make it yourself, soldering the components to the preprinted board. Its autonomous and great fun. Whoops, just seen 4.5 year old. Might be a bit too delicate.

Lego Mindstorms. Bit young, but you’ll love it anyway 😉

+1 for mindstorms. Like tired said he is probably a bit young but you will both have fun with it.

Search for active robots as well, they have some good stuff for sale.

Can’t beat a robot with pozitronic brain from US Robots. Make sure that the three laws have been programmed properly though – they made a few duff ones that could behave a bit unpredictably.

The Robot from Rocky IV?

Yes, Lego Mindstorms. So long as you’re ok with the PC/programming bit, hopefully your son will get into it when a bit older.

I’ve never used Mindstorms, but unless it’s a lot worse than any other LEGO, it’s the way to go.

Do this before carving the turkey while explaining in a calm and emotionless voice that Daddy has been a robot all along.