1st place - Programming: Sphero Bolt (Sphero)

2019 | Electronic Toys | Winners

Here’s what the TOMMI Kids’ Jury has to say: “Sphero Bolt” should win first place at TOMMI because this transparent ball is a real robot. Controlling it with the iPad is especially fun. We enter the path, and “Sphero” moves along it. We’ve built lots of different obstacle courses. The ball can light up and talk, and it’s a fun programming challenge for advanced users. We think the ball is suitable for children as young as 0 years old, as long as parents control it and the kids crawl after it.

Here’s what the expert jury had to say: “Sphero Bolt” is a spherical robot controlled via an app. This model differs from its predecessors in that it features a programmable LED matrix. Packed with infrared sensors, a light sensor, a compass, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and motor sensors, it rolls like no ball has ever rolled before. “Sphero Bolt” can introduce children to the basics of programming; however, for educational purposes, it is recommended that it be integrated into a pedagogical framework.

Ages 8 and up