Orbotix | The World's First Robotic Ball, "Sphero 2.0"
DESIGN / DIGITAL
April 6, 2015

Orbotix | The World's First Robotic Ball, "Sphero 2.0"


Orbotix

Experience the Future of Play――A Smart Toy Controlled by App


The World's First Robotic Ball, "Sphero 2.0"


The unique robotic ball smart toy and game system, "Sphero 2.0," controllable via smartphone or tablet through a variety of apps, is finally launching in Japan. Online sales begin September 26th at Amazon, Apple Store, and SoftBank SELECTION, with in-store sales commencing October 4th (Friday) at SoftBank Ginza and SoftBank Omotesando. A special version, allowing a partial view of the interior, will be available at Apple Store locations.





Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)





The appeal lies in its diverse range of apps, enabling a multitude of play styles.

The shell, slightly larger than a tennis ball, measures 7.4cm in diameter and weighs 168 grams.――Sphero, encased in a durable, high-density polycarbonate shell housing precise mechanics, was first released in the United States at the end of 2011. With the launch of "Sphero 2.0," its release in Japan has been confirmed.



Orbotix, the company behind its development, was established in 2010. At a press conference in Tokyo, Orbotix CTO Ian Bernstein explained, "We founded the company with the goal of developing devices controlled by smartphones. You might wonder, 'Why a ball?' when you see Sphero. We prototyped cars and helicopters, but they couldn't break free from the limitations of smartphone control. This ball has infinite app possibilities; it can do anything. Sphero expands the potential of apps that enable diverse play." he said.



Sphero | Ball 02




"Sphero 2.0" travels at a speed of 2 meters per second, glows brightly in a spectrum of colors, connects via Bluetooth to devices up to 30 meters away, and can be controlled through its app. The basic app, "Sphero," allows users to control "Sphero 2.0" like a remote-controlled car, enabling not only basic movements but also setting maximum speed and changing the internal light color.



Sphero | Ball 03




Sphero | Ball 07




Furthermore, over 25 game apps are currently available, including those for playing with pets, tabletop games, sports games like golf, multiplayer games, and AR (Augmented Reality) games. Educational applications for programming are also in use, opening up a new world of play with a robot packed with the latest technology.



Sphero | Ball 10




Smart Toy "Sphero 2.0"

Price | ¥14,800

Compatible OS | iOS 4.3 or later, Android 2.2 or later

www.gosphero.com




Sphero | Ball 12


Ian Bernstein (left), now Orbotix CTO, and Adam Wilson (right), Chief Software Architect, met through a mutual friend. Bernstein was responsible for hardware, while Wilson handled software. When they created a prototype of the ball that would become Sphero and sought investors, they secured $1 million in funding, which allowed them to hire engineers and ultimately led to the creation of "Sphero" in 2011.