The I-Cybie had the unfortunate luck of being released way back in 2001 near the time of 9-11. Few people cared about an innovative robot pet when they were uncertain about their own safety.
Nonetheless, it was good toy-- re-released in the US by another company later, but it never really got the respect it deserved and never got over its foundation of  unfortunate original release time. This site was an experiment in online virtual reality that was never really finished due to various circumstances. 

To be candid though, as a bit of a robot enthusiast, I suggest rounding up an Interactive R2-D2 instead.   It is without a doubt the most amazing robot that I've ever seen and is the closest thing to a real functional R2-D2 that has ever existed. It is the closest thing to a robot that interacts as a pet rather than a remote control gadget.

Interactive R2-D2

I'm an "Artoo" enthusiast, so I  thought I'd toss this site together to share info about one of my favorite Star Wars related toys (ahem collectibles)-- the Interactive R2-D2. Here you will find web info about the Interactive R2 along with other cool R2 links that I've found. If you're learning about the interactive R2-D2 for the first time, in short it is the closest thing to a real functioning R2-D2 that's ever been created, and for now is in my opinion the Holy Grail of R2-D2 collectibles.

shnoozle2@yahoo.com
 

Secret Commands
Quick Reference Commands
Full Instructions
Where to Find One
Interactive R2-D2 Hacks
Box Art-- 3 Versions
R2-D2 Links
Other R2-D2s

[create better UI]

Secret Commands:

Secret Command- Follow Me

In Companion Mode, if you say "Follow Me," R2 will turn to find you and then attempt to follow you around. Go slowly though, or R2 will lose you and turn the other direction.

Secret Command- Come Here

Also in Companion Mode, if you say "Come Here," R2 will attempt to find you and come to you. Since this feature relies on R2's heat sensing technology, kneel down in front of R2. R2 may not come directly to you, but R2 will try and find you.

Secret Command- Imperial March Song

R2 plays up to 5 songs, but only the Cantina song is expressly mentioned in the instructions.

To play the Imperial March, go to Character Mode by asking "Do You Remember." Ask R2 about Darth Vader and Anakin (in any order) and R2 will play the song.

Secret Command- Sad Cantina Song

Another song that R2 plays is actually a different version of the song he sings if you command him to do the dance program (in game mode). When R2 is in a sad mood, he will play a sad version of the Cantina song. There are many ways to put R2 into a sad mood. The easiest is in 'Do You Remember'. If you ask about Darth Vader, R2 will go into a sad mood. You can tell, because his mood status indicator will be red instead of blue.

Secret Command- Celebration Song

The Celebration Song is another one of the 5 songs that R2 plays and is not expressly mentioned in the instructions.

To play the Celebration song, go to Character Mode by asking "Do You Remember." Ask R2 about Chewbacca, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker (in any order), and R2 will play the celebration song.

Advanced Command- A "Special Dance"

This one takes a little work, as well as really knowing your droid.

First, have R2 turn on his light beam by saying "light beam." With his light beam on, tap R2 three times on the head, and then place him into Game Mode by telling R2 "Game Mode" and then "Dance program." R2 will do a special dance.

[create as doc file as well]

 

Quick Reference Commands:

 

 

Full Instructions:

Interactive R2-D2 Instructions in PDF format

Adobe Acrobat is required to read or print the instructions (free)

Where to Find One:

Click here to get an Interactive R2-D2 from a reliable retailer-- Entertainment Earth-- for $109.

Click the above image to get one from Sharper Image ($119)

Get one new or used on ebay:

[include sharper image]

Interactive R2-D2 Hacks and Mods:

Wireless Camera Hack How To

[add image}

Interactive R2-D2 "Autopsy" Photos

A bit unrelated, but any R2 enthusiast might be interested in this  robot system by Evolution Robotics.  It could easily be hacked into a functioning R2-D2. 

Box Art-- 3 Versions:

Interactive R2-D2 First Release	Interactive R2-D2 Second Release	Interactive R2-D2 Third Release
2002	2005	2006

(There appears to be no differences reported  between the  3  releases of the actual droid.)

R2-D2 Links:

R2-D2 WikiPedia Entry
R2-D2 Builders Club
R2-D2 Builders Club-- Astromech.net
R2-D2 PC Case Mod
R2-D2 Mini-Itx  PC Case Mod
R2-D2 Entry in The Robot Hall of Fame (yep there is one)

Other R2-D2s:

Nikko Home Electronics is creating two down-scaled functional  R2-D2s for the consumer market. 

One model, the "C.S." (Computer Service-- I speculate), works with your computer. It has Skype (Skype newbie info: Skype is super affordable PC to phone calling/ video conference abilities), a built in  wireless  Web  cam, USB connection, wireless remote.

M.E.S.