Orbotix | "Astroball" Permanently Installed at Space Museum TeNQ
DESIGN / DIGITAL
January 14, 2015

Orbotix | "Astroball" Permanently Installed at Space Museum TeNQ


Orbotix


Now Open at Space Museum "TeNQ"!


Introducing "Astroball," Featuring the Robotic Ball "Sphero"


The Space Museum "TeNQ (Tenkyu)," a new entertainment facility, opened on July 8th within Tokyo Dome City. This space offers a moving starry sky, overwhelming cosmic vistas, cutting-edge science, and culture inspired by space. Within it, you'll find...Robotic Ball "Sphero"is permanently installed.

Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)




Control Sphero and Aim for the Rocket Launch Pad Within the Time Limit!


Regarding the reason for adopting the unique robotic ball, smart toy, and game system "Sphero" at the Space Museum "TeNQ," which can be controlled via smartphone or tablet through various apps, a representative explained, "Its sleek, spherical form evokes planets, and Sphero's attitude control, based on accelerometers and gyroscopes, shares a mechanism with rocket inertial sensors, creating a connection to space exploration."

They further elaborated on the rationale for its introduction: "Intuitive control is also key. We believe that using Sphero to operate independently, strive towards a goal without giving up, and achieve greater accomplishments through teamwork are elements that resonate with space exploration."




"Astroball," the world's first Sphero entertainment space, is permanently set up in the Imagination Area, where visitors can enjoy space with rich creativity. Players control Sphero, acting as their avatar, to clear training courses within a time limit and then attempt to board a rocket. The attraction features two sides with five courses each, for a total of ten courses, each with a different difficulty level, adding to the enjoyment.




Adam Wilson, co-inventor of Sphero and involved in NASA projects, shared his thoughts on its exhibition at TeNQ, which aims to offer a comfortable encounter with space from various perspectives: "It is an immense pleasure to have Sphero chosen for such an exciting facility. I am deeply happy and proud to think we may have brought some inspiration to Japan, a leading robotics nation. We truly hope children will come and play." Sphero is also available for purchase at the museum shop.

Space Museum "TeNQ"
Tokyo Dome City Wakuwaku Dial
Tel. 03-5800-9999
http://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/tenq/

Smart Toy "Sphero 2.0"
Price | 15,223 yen
Compatible OS | iOS 4.3 or later, Android 2.2 or later
www.gosphero.com