Abstract: An apparatus that is a robotic toy. The robotic toy includes at least one processor that controls both sensors and a motor. The motor powers a plurality of ground contacting devices. The ground contacting devices allow the robotic toy to move over a surface. The ground contacting devices rotate about an axel and each ground contacting device includes a plurality of flexible members that provide for at least four radial points of contact for each revolution of the axel. The processor controls the rotation of the ground contacting device by regulating the flow of energy that is provided from a battery source. Two axels are generally employed in various embodiments of the robotic toy where each axel has two ground contacting devices. Each of the ground contacting devices represents a leg of an animal and simulates the movement of the animal. Each flexible member includes a joint at which the flexible member bends.