sphero

About sphero

Sphero, Inc. is an American consumer robotics and toy company known for its integration of robotics and digital technology to create innovative, user-friendly products that inspire creativity and education. Founded in 2010 by Ian Bernstein and Adam Wilson in Boulder, Colorado, Sphero set out with the mission to blend the physical and digital worlds to entertain, educate, and inspire people of all ages.

Initially gaining fame for their connected play experiences, Sphero first captured the public's imagination with their eponymous product, the Sphero ball, a robotic sphere that users can control with a smartphone or tablet. The Sphero ball showcased the company's commitment to combining playful interfaces with sophisticated technology, featuring programmable sensors and customizable LED lights, making it not only a toy but also a tool for learning programming and robotics.

Building on the success of the original Sphero, the company expanded its product line to include various models such as the Sphero Mini, SPRK+, and BOLT, each designed to enhance the user experience and educational value. These products are particularly popular in educational settings, used to teach coding, mathematics, and science concepts through hands-on interaction and play.

One of Sphero’s most notable achievements was its partnership with Disney to produce the Star Wars BB-8, a robotic replica of the beloved droid from the Star Wars films. This collaboration was a massive success, appealing not only to children and educators but also to Star Wars fans and collectors. Following this, Sphero also introduced robotic versions of other iconic characters like R2-D2 and Lightning McQueen from Pixar's Cars, which further solidified their reputation in the market of entertainment robotics.

Sphero’s commitment to education is reflected in their Sphero Edu program, which provides a comprehensive curriculum and programming platform that supports educators in integrating Sphero products into their teaching. The platform offers a range of resources, from beginner to advanced programming instructions, activities, and community support, enabling students to engage in problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaborative learning.

Technologically, Sphero continues to innovate in the field of consumer robotics. Their products often feature advanced robotics technologies such as gyroscopes, accelerometers, and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for precise control and interaction. The company also invests in developing user-friendly apps that facilitate not only control over the robots but also coding and educational activities.

In recent years, Sphero has also ventured into new product categories and markets, emphasizing their role as a leader in educational technology and creative play. They continue to explore the possibilities of how robotic toys can influence learning environments and entertainment, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the intersection of technology, education, and play.

As Sphero moves forward, it remains dedicated to its core values of innovation, education, and fun. With a strong focus on community and customer feedback, Sphero aims to continue developing products that excite and inspire the next generation of thinkers, inventors, and creative minds, making a significant impact on the way people learn and interact with technology.