{{Short description|American toy company}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2019}} {{Infobox company | name = Sphero, Inc. | logo = Sphero.svg | image = | former_name = Orbotix | type = [[Privately held company|Private]] | industry = {{Unbulleted list|[[Robotics]]|[[Toy]]s}} | founded = {{Start date and age|2010}} | founders = {{Unbulleted list|Ian Bernstein|Adam Wilson}}<ref name="inc">{{Cite web|url=http://www.inc.com/30under30/kimberly-weisul/orbotix-ian-bernstein-adam-wilson-2013.html|title=This Robotic Ball May Change Everything|last=Kimberly|first=Weisul|date=May 28, 2013|website=[[Inc. (magazine)|Inc]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305010305/http://www.inc.com/30under30/kimberly-weisul/orbotix-ian-bernstein-adam-wilson-2013.html|archive-date=March 5, 2016|url-status=|access-date=March 9, 2019}}</ref> | hq_location = [[Boulder, Colorado]] [[United States]] | website = https://sphero.com }} '''Sphero, Inc.''' (formerly '''Orbotix''') is an American consumer [[robotics]] and toy company based in [[Boulder, Colorado]].
Their first product, the Sphero, is a white [[spherical robot]] launched in December 2011 capable of rolling around under the control of a smartphone or tablet.<ref name="time-heroic">{{cite news|url=https://techland.time.com/2013/08/15/sphero-2-0-a-more-heroic-robotic-ball/|title=Sphero 2.0 Is a More Heroic Robotic Ball|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|publisher=[[Time Inc.]]|author=Harry McCracken|date=August 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2011/12/sphero/|title=Review: Orbotix Sphero|last=Bonnington|first=Christina|date=December 19, 2011|magazine=Wired|access-date=March 9, 2019|issn=1059-1028}}</ref> A remastered version, the Sphero 2.0, was launched in August 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/08/14/sphero-2/|title=Sphero 2.0 rolls out at speeds 'slightly slower than a Lamborghini' (video)|last=Heater|first=Brian|date=August 14, 2013|website=Engadget|language=en|access-date=March 9, 2019}}</ref> Both products are now discontinued.
In 2015, Sphero struck a licensing deal with [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] to create a [[BB-8]] robot based on the ''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens]]'' film.<ref name="bb8">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2015/09/bb8-the-inside-story/|title=The Story (And Tech) Behind That Awesome Star Wars BB-8 Toy|last=McFarland|first=Kevin|date=September 3, 2015|magazine=Wired|access-date=March 9, 2019|issn=1059-1028}}</ref> Following the success of that robot, Sphero also created a model of [[R2-D2]] and [[Lightning McQueen]]. The Disney products were discontinued in 2018 after their partnership ended.<ref name="Disney-discontinue">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/12/17/18145283/sphero-disney-deal-licensed-toys-bb8-r2d2|title=Sphero discontinues its BB-8, R2-D2, and other licensed Disney products|last=Carman|first=Ashley|date=December 17, 2018|website=The Verge|access-date=March 9, 2019}}</ref>
Sphero's current product lineup includes several spherical robots like the original Sphero: the Sphero Mini, BOLT, and SPRK+.
On February 19, 2019, Sphero announced a programmable tank-tracked kit called the Sphero RVR (pronounced "rover") on [[Kickstarter]].<ref name="RVR-Kickstarter">{{Cite web|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sphero/sphero-rvr-the-go-anywhere-do-anything-programmabl|title=Sphero RVR – The go anywhere, do anything programmable robot|website=Kickstarter|language=en|access-date=March 8, 2019}}</ref><ref name="RVR-cnet">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/sphero-rvr-wants-to-be-your-future-hackable-robot-kit/|title=Sphero RVR wants to be your future hackable robot kit|last=Stein|first=Scott|date=February 19, 2019|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=March 8, 2019}}</ref> It is advertised as a "go anywhere, do anything programmable robot" with modular parts and all-terrain capability. It has an increased focus on education, and has been released in October 2019 at $249.<ref name="RVR-Engadget">{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2019-10-22-sphero-rvr-available.html|title = Sphero makes its 'RVR' programmable tank robot available to all| date=October 22, 2019 }}</ref>
In August 2019, Sphero acquired New York City-based startup, [[littleBits]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/08/23/sphero-is-buying-littlebits/|title=Sphero has acquired littleBits|website=TechCrunch|date=August 23, 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90394797/sphero-acquires-littlebits-in-a-bid-to-rule-the-150b-educational-toy-market|title=Sphero acquires littleBits in a bid to rule the $150B educational toy market|last=Paynter|first=Ben|date=2019-08-23|website=Fast Company|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/sphero-acquires-littlebits-consolidating-the-educational-tech-landscape/|title=Sphero acquires Littlebits, consolidating the educational tech landscape|last=Stein|first=Scott|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref>
== Products ==
=== Sphero 1.0 and 2.0 === The original Sphero was initially prototyped by its inventors, Ian Bernstein and Adam Wilson, with a [[3D printing|3D-printed]] shell and electronics taken from a [[smartphone]].<ref name="inc"/> It was then demonstrated at [[Consumer Electronics Show|CES]] in 2011.<ref name="tuaw-ces2011">{{cite web|url=https://www.tuaw.com/2011/01/08/hands-on-with-sphero-at-the-ces-2011/|title=Hands-on with Sphero at the CES 2011|publisher=[[TUAW]]|author=Mike Schramm|date=January 8, 2011}}</ref><ref name="techcrunch">{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/09/14/sphero-sports-new-body-rolls-closer-to-official-release/|title=Sphero Sports New Body, Rolls Closer To Official Release|website=TechCrunch|publisher=AOL|author=Chris Velazco|date=September 14, 2011}}</ref>
It was released in 2011 and is a white orb that has a diameter of {{convert|74|mm|in}} and weighs {{convert|168|g|lb}}.<ref name="theverge-specs">{{cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/products/sphero/4411|title=Orbotix Sphero|website=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=February 7, 2014}}</ref> The processor on board is a 75 MHz [[ARM Cortex]] M4. It has two 350 mAh [[LiPo]] batteries, two color LEDs, an [[accelerometer]], and a [[gyroscope]]. [[Bluetooth]] is used for communication and [[inductive charging]] for power.<ref name="theverge-specs" /><ref name="spec">{{cite press release|url=http://www.gosphero.com/tech-specs/|title=Tech Specs|publisher=Orbotix|access-date=February 7, 2014}}</ref> A refreshed version, Sphero 2.0, was released in 2013, featuring a twice-as-fast speed and increased LED brightness.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2013/08/sphero-new/|title=Review: Orbotix Sphero 2.0|last=Bonnington|first=Christina|date=August 14, 2013|magazine=Wired|access-date=March 9, 2019|issn=1059-1028}}</ref>
The toys are controlled with a [[smartphone]] or [[tablet computer|tablet]] running [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]] or [[Windows Phone]] via [[Bluetooth]].<ref name="time-heroic" /><ref name="mashable">{{cite web|url=https://mashable.com/2012/08/29/sphero|title=Robotic Ball Sphero Rolls Gaming to a Whole New Level|author=Chelsea Stark|date=August 30, 2012|website=[[Mashable]]}}</ref> Since they have an [[accelerometer]] and a [[gyroscope]], it can also be used as a [[game controller|controller]] for games on iOS and Android platforms.<ref name="mashable" /><ref name="forbes">{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ericsavitz/2013/01/09/ces-hey-sphero-shall-we-play-a-game/|title=CES: Hey, Sphero! Shall We Play A Game?|author=Eric Savitz|date=January 9, 2013|work=[[Forbes]]}}</ref> As it includes an [[Software development kit|SDK]], several [[application software|apps]] and [[video game|games]] have been developed for the platform.<ref name="time-heroic" /><ref name="mashable" />
Users can program the toys with an [[application software|app]] called Sphero Macrolab which includes a set of predefined [[Macro (computer science)|macros]], and orbBasic which uses a [[BASIC]]-based [[programming language|language]].<ref name="macworld">{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/2047002/review-sphero-2-0-is-a-brighter-faster-smartphone-controlled-ball-of-fun.html|title=Review: Sphero 2.0 is a brighter, faster, smartphone-controlled ball of fun|author=Susie Ochs|date=August 21, 2013|publisher=[[Macworld]]}}</ref>
Both Sphero 1.0 and 2.0 have been discontinued.
Sphero 1.0 is not compatible with either Sphero Play or Sphero EDU apps {{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}.
=== Ollie === [[File:Ollie Darkside.jpg|alt=An Ollie Darkside with turbo tires on.|thumb|An Ollie Darkside with turbo tires on.]] The Sphero Ollie, released in 2014, uses tires instead of being a rolling ball. With its ability to spin, it is more intended for doing tricks.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/3268090/sphero-ollie/|title=Hands On: Ollie Is an Acrobatic Mini-Robot Designed for Speed|last=Peckham|first=Matt|date=September 4, 2014|magazine=Time|language=en|access-date=March 9, 2019}}</ref> Instead of using [[inductive charging]], the Ollie uses a [[USB|micro-USB]] port for charging. It goes at speeds up to {{convert|23|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ollie FAQ |date=July 2, 2018 |url=https://support.sphero.com/article/99t0cjdhw6-ollie-faq |access-date=27 January 2020}}</ref>
=== BB-8 === In July 2014, while participating in [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]]'s technology accelerator program for startups, Sphero's staff were invited into a private meeting with Disney CEO [[Bob Iger]], who showed them then-unseen photos from the production of the 2015 film ''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens]]'' and images of [[BB-8]]—a spherical droid character introduced in the film, and were offered a licensing deal to produce an official BB-8 toy based on Sphero's technology. Disney also made a minority investment in Sphero. The BB-8 toy was released on September 4, 2015; it is accompanied by a special ''Star Wars''-themed control app, which also features [[augmented reality]] "holographic" messages.<ref name="bb8"/><ref name=thenational-bb8>{{cite web|title=Disney's support for start-ups led to one new company winning a dream Star Wars contract|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/disney-s-support-for-start-ups-led-to-one-new-company-winning-a-dream-star-wars-contract-1.89698|website=TheNational.ae|date=August 15, 2015 |access-date=5 September 2015}}</ref>
It has been discontinued after the Disney-Sphero partnership ended.<ref name="Disney-discontinue"/>
=== R2-D2 === Following on from the success of the BB-8 robot, Sphero has released a [[R2-D2]] robot that is powered by Sphero technology. This is accompanied by an app which is available for [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)]] powered devices.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sphero.com/starwars/r2d2|title=Sphero {{!}} Unlocking the true potential of play|website=Sphero|access-date=October 7, 2017}}</ref> The R2-D2 droid, unlike the BB-8 and Sphero droids is not inductively charged, instead, a micro-USB connection is used.
It has been discontinued after the Disney-Sphero partnership ended.<ref name="Disney-discontinue"/>
=== Ultimate Lightning McQueen === In 2017, Sphero released a robotic car modeled after [[Lightning McQueen]] as part of their partnership with Disney.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/sphero-ultimate-lightning-mcqueen-preview/|title=Sphero's newest toy is a Pixar character come to life|last=Stein|first=Scott|date=May 24, 2017|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=March 9, 2019}}</ref>
It has been discontinued after the Disney-Sphero partnership ended.<ref name="Disney-discontinue"/>
=== Sphero Bolt === Sphero Bolt is a transparent version of the Sphero robot, with a diameter of {{convert|73|mm|in}} and weighs {{convert|200|g|lb}}.<ref name="sphero-comp">{{cite web|url=https://www.sphero.com/education/bot-comparison/|title=Three Different Robots. All Kinds of Awesome|website=Sphero|access-date=February 21, 2019}}</ref> It is sealed and has an inductive charger. This model has the most sensors of the various Sphero robots, including motor encoders, gyroscope, accelerometer, 8x8 LED matrix display, compass, infrared, and light sensors.<ref name="sphero-comp"/>
=== Sphero SPRK+ === Sphero SPRK+ is also a transparent version of the Sphero robot, with a diameter of {{convert|73|mm|in}} and weighs {{convert|181|g|lb}}.<ref name="sphero-comp"/> It is sealed and has an inductive charger. This model is intended for educational use.
=== Sphero Mini === Sphero Mini is a smaller version of the Sphero robot, with a diameter of {{convert|42|mm|in|abbr=on}} and a weight of {{convert|46|g|oz lb}}.<ref name="sphero-comp"/><ref name="techcrunch-mini">{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/29/sphero-mini/ |title=With the Sphero Mini, you get a robotic ball for just $49.99 |website=[[TechCrunch]] |date=2017-09-29 |first=Anthony |last=Ha |publisher=[[Oath Inc.]] |access-date=2019-02-21 }}</ref> It is the first Sphero robot to have interchangeable shells. These shells are very colorful, and come in white, blue, pink, green, and orange, as well as specialty designs such as a [[golf ball]] and a (very small) [[soccer ball]]. The Mini is the cheapest robot made by Sphero at US$49. The Mini has a new feature called Face Drive which lets the user drive the robot through the app with different head movements. The Mini is charged with a [[USB|micro USB]] port, which means that, unlike the Sphero 2.0, it is not [[waterproof]]. You can create your own games in the Sphero Edu app with Sphero Mini.{{fact|date=January 2025}}
=== Sphero RVR === Sphero RVR (pronounced "rover") is a programmable robot kit introduced by Sphero on [[Kickstarter]] on February 19, 2019. It is advertised as a "go anywhere, do anything programmable robot."
It can be programmed using the app, either [[Visual programming language|visually]] or via text [[JavaScript]]. The robot is modular, with various sensors and boards able to be attached, including [[Arduino]] and [[Raspberry Pi]]. It has a swappable battery charged via a [[USB-C]] port, and is one of few robots made by Sphero that features a color sensor.
It has an increased focus on education.<ref name="RVR-Kickstarter"/><ref name="RVR-cnet"/>
It was released in October 2019 at $249.<ref name="RVR-Engadget"/>
=== Sphero indi === Sphero indi is a programmable robot designed for younger learners. The primary function of the robot is its inclusion of an [[image sensor]] to detect different colored cards that it can drive over.
It can be used with the Sphero Edu Jr. app or with no smart device at all.
=== Sphero Bolt+ === Sphero Bolt+ is similar to Sphero Bolt, but has a 128x128 pixel [[LCD screen]] instead of an 8x8 matrix display.
== References == {{reflist}}
[[Category:Spherical orb robots]] [[Category:Robot kits]] [[Category:Educational toys]] [[Category:Toy companies of the United States]] [[Category:Robotics companies of the United States]]