In 1993, four years after the original Machine Robo line ended with Battle Hackers, Bandai decided to tentatively test the waters about reviving the brand. The result was CG Robo.

The 'CG' stood for 'Change and Glow', a reference to the fact all the toys had working, battery-powered lights and sound. The figures were designed by Plex, and were all based on contemporary vehicles. Bandai, for their part, decided on a very low-key packaging design.

The series was promoted by TV commercials, which utilised some basic CGI animation. The toys themselves often revisited earlier Machine Robo figures to some extent, with several toys serving as effectively updated versions.

The line was largely limited to road vehicles, though it did include two Shinkansen and (the final release in the line) a Space Shuttle. The light gimmick does actually appear to have been a little restrictive, with emergency and construction vehicles making up the vast majority of the line (no doubt due to the real-life equivalent's prominent lights).

CG Robo wasn't a big success, and ended after fourteen figures. The first five would be released shortly afterwards in the Robo Machines line, while Machine Robo would have to wait until 2001, and the arrival of Machine Robo Rescue, for a successful revival.

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