For once, we're using the word "Transformer" to mean exactly what you'd expect: not a tablet, toy, lawsuit, video game, or movie. No, this is a small car that automatically turns into a genuine working robot, does so with speed and grace you've only dreamed of before, and then proceeds to punch and uppercut its way through any would-be Decepticons. The work of Kenji Ishida at JS Robotics in Japan, it uses 22 servo motors in all, and is apparently the eighth attempt to build a credible Sideswipe equivalent. Who wants to see version nine? For now, we'll make do with the video below. Also see: this Metroid-esque transforming ball.

Thanks, Henry Wong!

Runner-up:

Honorable mention: