[bug id=”ces2012″]It’s called the Sphero, and when it’s not charging in its coaster-shaped station, it’s rolling around on any flat surface, weaving through obstacles and people like it’s self-possessed. Actually, there are several ways to send the Sphero into action. Using an Orbotix-developed UI, any Android or iOS device can use a standard joystick interface, but more interesting is the “drawing” capability, where you essentially draw out a pattern with your finger and the Sphero will then emulate it a couple of seconds later.
Pull up the RGB color wheel on your device and you can tweak the internal LED to make Sphero light up in one of thousands of colors. Orbotix has developed several gaming apps that show off the Sphero’s capabilities, and developers can use the SDK to create their own Sphero-centric challenges.
At $129, the Sphero might be a tad tough on your wallet, but the hours of watching pets and little children chase after this seemingly autonomous ball come to life could be well worth the investment.
