Photos: Cracking open R2-D2

We're going to crack open this surprisingly functional toy robot and make darn sure that Kenny Baker isn't trapped in there. Hasbro's interactive R2-D2 stands about 16 inches tall. Shiny and sharp, this R2 replica could easily be mistaken for the real thing if he were photographed without a reference for his size. Watch a video of him in action on TechRepublic.

R2 has navigation sensors (sonar that "sees" objects) and infrared location sensor (for detecting moving people). According to information on the packaging, he follows you around, knows who Darth Vader is, and can be voice-trained to bring you a drink, among other features. And yes, he gets moody and makes the trademarked bleepy noises, just like the original.

Right under R2's dome is the voice-recognition module, and the center of his body contains the speaker for sound effects. The two legs house a pair of sturdy wheels, while the third leg features a large trackball. It seems strange, but R2 had no problem navigating thick carpeting.

(CNET Networks' TechRepublic runs a regular series called "Cracking Open" in which it takes a look inside a variety of gadgets. News.com is publishing this excerpt.)

Caption text by TechRepublic's John Lee.