BB-8: The Adorable Robot Toy You Can Control with Your Voice

Summary

In this article, we explore the making of the BB-8 robot toy, a charming little robot that has captured the hearts of Star Wars fans everywhere. We delve into the design challenges faced by toy company Sphero, who was tasked by Disney to develop the toy in time for the release of the new Star Wars film. We also discuss how the toy can be controlled by voice and how it has become a must-have for any Star Wars fan.

The Charm of BB-8

BB-8 is a robot toy that has charmed Star Wars fans with its brief appearances in trailers and on stage at Star Wars Celebration. Its design is unique, with a 360-degree swiveling head perched on a spinning ball of a body that makes R2-D2 look positively arthritic. The toy is now available for purchase, and fans can control it with their voice using a smartphone app.

The Making of the Toy

Toy company Sphero was in the inaugural class of the Disney Accelerator program last year when they were tapped by Disney to develop a BB-8 robot toy in time for the new Star Wars film. The company was given access to top secret footage and set out building the toy with little more than a visual idea of what it needed to be. Sphero had already made an app-controlled ball, but turning it into a robot with a spinning head presented some serious design challenges.

Design Challenges

Sphero won’t reveal exactly how the BB-8 toy works, but there’s a magnet in the head and in the body to help keep them connected. This required some new software and internals to deal with the pendulum effects that came from the head’s extra weight in order to keep it upright. The design team had to overcome these challenges to create a toy that was both functional and adorable.

Controlling BB-8 with Your Voice

One of the most exciting features of the BB-8 toy is the ability to control it with your voice. Using a smartphone app, fans can speak commands to BB-8 and watch as it responds, just like a real droid. This feature has made the toy a must-have for any Star Wars fan, young or old.

Conclusion

The BB-8 robot toy is a charming addition to the Star Wars universe, and Sphero’s design team did an excellent job of bringing it to life. The toy’s unique design and ability to be controlled by voice make it a must-have for any fan of the franchise. With the release of the new Star Wars film, BB-8 is sure to become even more popular, and we can’t wait to see what other toys and gadgets the franchise has in store for us.