I.D.I.O.T. Award
International Designer & Inventor of Toys
Founder · Inventor · Industry connector
Robert Fuhrer.
For more than four decades, Robert has helped original toy, game and puzzle ideas find the companies—and the audiences—that bring them to life.
Founder of Nextoy · Established 1981
1981Nextoy founded
40+ yearsToy industry experience
3×TOTY nominee
WorldwideIndustry relationships
The story
He never stopped thinking about play.
While other kids were playing with the toys in the box, Robert was already wondering how the ideas inside it could be made—and marketed—better.
Robert founded Nextoy in 1981. Since then, he has built a career connecting original toys, games and puzzles with the companies capable of taking them to market. Nextoy works across invention, development and licensing, drawing on longstanding relationships with companies including Hasbro, Mattel, Spin Master, Goliath, The New York Times, Reader’s Digest, Gakken and Kawada.
His body of work includes enduring ideas such as Crocodile Dentist, Gator Golf, KenKen® and iTop.
Robert brings the same approach to every opportunity: sharp product judgment, respect for the inventor and a clear understanding of where an idea belongs. Nextoy’s support is shaped around the individual product, partner and path to market—not a one-size-fits-all formula.
Robert earned his BA from Syracuse University in 1977. He and his wife, Judy, have three children.
EducationSyracuse University ’77
FoundedNextoy · 1981
SpecialtyToys, games + puzzles
A puzzle discovered in Japan
From fascination to a worldwide phenomenon.
One business trip sparked an entirely new chapter.
In 2007, Robert encountered a little-known math-and-logic puzzle in Japan and immediately recognized its potential. He established KenKen Puzzle LLC and helped introduce KenKen® to a global audience through newspapers, books, digital products and educational programs.
It is a defining example of the Nextoy instinct: notice what is special, understand where it can travel and build the relationships that help it endure.
Explore the product archiveRecognition
A career with lasting impact.
Industry honors recognize Robert’s contributions to invention, design and the wider world of play.
TIME “Most Amazing Inventions”
Selected by TIME magazine
Three-time TOTY nominee
Most Innovative Toy of the Year
Caring for Children Award
Toy Industry of America
Mojo Nation Top 100
Most influential figures working in toy and game design
Giving experience back.
Supporting organizations across play, health and community service
Leadership + service
Beyond the product.
Board memberPeople of Play (POP)
Board memberMake-A-Wish Foundation of the Hudson Valley
Board directorEvan’s Team
Board memberPing Pong Parkinson
Four decades—and still curious
See what experience makes possible.
Explore Nextoy’s public product archive, or start a conversation about the next idea worth bringing to life.