BB-8, the new Star Wars robot toy: Everything you need to know

Summary

BB-8, the cute little robot from Star Wars, has taken the internet by storm. In this blog post, we answer some of the most pressing questions about the BB-8 robot toy. We explore how the toy came to be, how it was made, and how it functions. We also dive into how to control BB-8 with your voice and a smartphone app.

How did Sphero create the BB-8 robot toy?
What design challenges did Sphero face while building the toy?
How does the BB-8 robot toy work?
Can you control BB-8 with your voice?
How does the BB-8 smartphone app work?
Is the BB-8 robot toy worth the price?
Conclusion

Introduction

BB-8 has become a fan-favorite character from the Star Wars franchise, and it’s no surprise that a toy version of this cute little robot has become so popular. The BB-8 robot toy was created by Sphero, a toy company that was part of the Disney Accelerator program. In this Q&A, we’ll go behind the scenes of the BB-8 robot toy to explore how it was created, what design challenges Sphero faced, and how it all works.

How did Sphero create the BB-8 robot toy?

Sphero was tasked with creating the BB-8 robot toy by Disney, who provided them with top secret footage of the character. Sphero had already created an app-controlled ball and used that as the basis for the BB-8 toy, but turning it into a robot with a spinning head was a challenge. Sphero won’t reveal all of their secrets, but they did use a magnet in the head and body to keep them connected while allowing for movement.

What design challenges did Sphero face while building the toy?

One of the biggest design challenges Sphero faced was dealing with the pendulum effect caused by the weight of the head. They had to make sure the head stayed on top of the ball while still allowing for movement. Sphero won’t go into too much detail, but it’s clear that they had to create new software and internals to keep BB-8 functioning properly.

How does the BB-8 robot toy work?

The BB-8 robot toy is controlled by a smartphone app, which connects to the toy via Bluetooth. The toy has internal gyroscopes and accelerometers that allow it to move in any direction. It can also be controlled with your voice, which adds an extra layer of fun to playing with BB-8.

Can you control BB-8 with your voice?

Yes! BB-8 can be controlled with your voice using the smartphone app. You can tell BB-8 to move forward, spin around, or even make sound effects. This feature is sure to delight Star Wars fans of all ages.

How does the BB-8 smartphone app work?

The BB-8 smartphone app is available for both iOS and Android devices. It allows you to control BB-8’s movement, make him say different sound effects, and even record and play back holographic messages. The app also has a “patrol mode” where BB-8 will explore his surroundings autonomously.

Is the BB-8 robot toy worth the price?

At $150, the BB-8 robot toy is certainly not cheap. However, for Star Wars fans, it’s hard to resist the charm of this little robot. The toy is well-made and fun to play with, and the ability to control it with your voice adds an extra level of interactivity. Overall, we think the BB-8 robot toy is worth the price for anyone who loves Star Wars.

Conclusion

The BB-8 robot toy is an impressive feat of engineering and design that has captured the hearts of Star Wars fans everywhere. Sphero faced some serious challenges in creating the toy, but the end result is a cute, fun, and functional robot that’s a joy to play with. Whether you’re a serious collector or just a casual fan, the BB-8 robot toy is sure to bring a smile to your face and provide hours of entertainment.