Robotic Balls

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag3fGjuDzfU&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3&w=426&h=260%5D

I really enjoy this time of year when we see all the latest technologies emerge at the Consumer Electronics Show, and this year is no exception, with a plethora of new gadgets being released. One of the trends I’ve noted is the use of the touchscreen interface of smart phones and tablets to control or manage other devices or environments.

An example of this is the Sphero. At present it is simply a robot with a cool control system – but the intention is to release it as a full video game platform, using augmented reality to allow you to roll the ball around in the real world. This little robot ball is another example of how virtual experiences in the real world will be among the defining paradigms of gaming in the next decade.

5 thoughts on “Robotic Balls

  1. Quite the headline grabber Derek. I am sure glad the picture wasn’t what I thought it was going to be. C-3PO and R2-D2 would have blushed.

    Very exciting the potential here especially as teachers look to see a stronger link between gaming and education. Might as well harness the beast, ’cause it’s going to the races with or without a rider.

    This may also be of interest:

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4523092/Robot-sub-to-seek-clues-on-Terraces#share

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