Sphero is a technology company that designs and manufactures connected toys, including remote-controlled robots and educational tools. They aim to inspire the next generation of inventors, builders, and creators through playful learning experiences and coding education.
Sphero was founded in 2010 by Ian Bernstein and Adam Wilson, with a goal to create a robotic ball that could be controlled by smartphones.
In 2011, Sphero raised $1.5 million in seed funding to bring their product to market.
Their first product, the Sphero, was launched in 2011 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
Since then, they have expanded their product line to include Star Wars and Disney-themed robots, coding kits and STEM education tools.
In 2019, Sphero acquired LittleBits, another edtech company, to expand their product offerings and education reach.
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The Sphero Mini is a small, app-enabled robotic ball that can be controlled using a smartphone or tablet. It is designed for educational play and learning to code.
The Sphero SPRK+ is an educational robot designed to teach children to code. It can be programmed using a visual coding system or with JavaScript.
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Sphero's products are suitable for children aged 5 and up, as well as adults. Some products, like the Sphero Mini, are designed specifically for younger children to play with and learn to code.
Sphero supports a number of programming languages, including Scratch, Tynker, and JavaScript. Some products can also be programmed using a visual drag-and-drop coding interface.
Yes, Sphero's products are designed for education and can be used in classrooms to teach coding and robotics. They offer a number of education-specific products and lesson plans.
The battery life will vary by product and usage. The Sphero Mini has a battery life of up to 45 minutes, while the SPRK+ can last for up to 1 hour on a charge.
Currently, Sphero's products do not support voice control with Alexa or Google Home. They must be controlled through the Sphero app on a smartphone or tablet.