Sphero, a robotic toy that lets you learn programming while having fun

(We spoke to...)
SB C&S Corporation IoT Business Promotion Division, New Business Headquarters
Keiko Suzuki, IoT & Robot Planning Department 1, IoT Division 1

Cute Rolling Robot Born in a Country with Advanced Programming Education

Editorial:What is the concept and features of "Sphero"?

Suzuki:Sphero was founded in the United States in 2010, and has since been introducing robots specialized for education. Sphero has been used in educational settings in approximately 80 countries to date, and is the number one name in this field in the United States. The educational robot "Sphero BOLT" (19,668 yen including tax) and the home-use robot "Sphero mini" (6,468 yen including tax) introduced here allow even children who are beginners in programming to learn programming while having fun. Sphero mini (6,468 yen including tax) allows children to learn programming in a fun and playful way. Both products are available for ages 8 and up. (Editor's note: Programming learning starts at around age 8, and young children become familiar with robots by playing with remote-controlled controls.)

Editorial:The adorable design is strikingly different from the "robots" of the world.

Suzuki:Yes. Sphero" is popular among girls because of its cute rolling appearance. Another great feature of "Sphero" is its intuitive operability. The Sphero can be played with immediately by connecting it to the free "Sphero Edu" programming application, so there are no instructions included in the package.

Sphero BOLT" expands children's possibilities for learning, expression, and creativity

Editorial:What kind of robot is "Sphero BOLT"?

Suzuki:Sphero BOLT has a transparent shell that contains an 8 x 8 LED dot screen, infrared communication, digital compass, light sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, motor encoder, and other advanced features available for programming. The shock-resistant shell can be washed in water and is scratch-resistant, making it suitable for indoor as well as outdoor use.

(Click here to watch the introductory video)
Sphero BOLT

Editorial:I heard that it is positioned as an educational robot, but how is it actually used in the educational field?

Suzuki:The program has been incorporated across subject areas such as Japanese, math, and science. For example, in an arts and crafts class, children were asked to decorate a robot as a parade float and make it run along a course. The children programmed the movement patterns, speed, and lighting, and then filmed the process to create a video work. In addition, at a special needs school, children took advantage of the waterproof nature of the robot to paint colorful pictures on a canvas by rolling the robot around with paint instead of brushes.

The "Parade of Lights" created by fifth grade students of Hosen Gakuen Elementary School

Editorial:By devising various ways, children will be able to learn in a fun way.

Suzuki:The teachers commented with surprise, "The children's appetite is totally different from usual! The teachers commented, "The children's appetite is totally different from usual!

Sphero mini" - cutting-edge technology condensed into the size of a ping-pong ball

Editorial:Please tell us about the other "Sphero mini".

Suzuki:While the Sphero BOLT is an educational robot, the Sphero mini is a home-use robot, and while it does not have an LED screen or water resistance, it does have a new "Face Drive" feature that allows users to control its movements with facial expressions. The free "Sphero Edu" app allows users to share their programming with other users around the world, allowing them to share their codes (ball behavior patterns) with other users. The colorful color variations are also attractive, and the size of the ball is about the same as a ping-pong ball, making it convenient to carry.

(Click here to watch the introductory video)
Sphero mini

Editorial:Even children who are new to programming will feel comfortable picking this up.

Suzuki:No assembly is required, and even children who are beginners in programming can enjoy it like a game since it can be played immediately after downloading the dedicated application. We have received many positive feedbacks from users, such as, "You can easily program complex and unique movements, so you can forget about time and immerse yourself in the game.

Editorial:I see. I am interested in "Sphero BOLT" and "Sphero mini". Where can I purchase them?

Suzuki:In addition to online shopping such as Softbank Selection, you can purchase programming products at electronics retailers or at sales outlets that sell programming products for children.

(Click here to purchase)
SoftBank Selection

Editorial:In addition to mandatory programming, children are spending more time at home these days, as evidenced by the simultaneous closure of schools to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

Suzuki:Although we cannot say with certainty that the school closure due to the new coronavirus has had a general effect, inquiries are on the increase. Most of the purchases are from children in the middle to upper grades of elementary school. I think "Sphero BOLT" and especially "Sphero mini" are the best tools for first-time programming. I would be happy if children can learn the power to overcome various problems while having fun.

<After the interview

The simultaneous closure of schools that began as a measure to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus has resulted in the loss of valuable learning opportunities for children. During this time of year when outings are restricted and children spend more time at home, it may be a meaningful way for them to acquire programming thinking through games. The encounter with "Sphero" will open the door to new possibilities for children. Why don't you turn this pinch that no one has ever experienced before into an opportunity?

Sphero
https://sphero-edu.jp/what/