The Ollie is a smartphone-connected robot, developed by connected-toy manufacturer Sphero, that can perform skateboarding tricks at 14 mph. The Ollie is the follow-up to the Sphero robotic ball, and is equipped with precision gyroscopic control inspired by Tony Hawk's Pro Skater-style tricks.
The robot can jump, spin, flup and drift, with players being awarded points on a companion smartphone app -- compatible with iOS and Android -- based on the difficulty and execution of the trick, as is the case with skateboarding video games.
This smartphone-controlled robot comes with different tyre options that each have an impact on the handling of the robot, either providing strengthened grip or power sliding abilities. The robot can race and skate for about an hour on a full charge.
It's also designed to be robust, able to survive 100 1.5-meter drops on concrete.
Skateboarding Robots
The Ollie Smartphone-Controlled Robot is Willing to be Smashed into Stuff
Trend Themes
1. Smartphone-controlled Robots - The development of smartphone-controlled robots presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the toy industry by combining technology and physical play.
2. Precision Gyroscopic Control - The use of precision gyroscopic control in robotic toys like the Ollie creates disruptive innovation opportunities in the gaming industry by blurring the lines between physical and virtual skateboarding experiences.
3. Companion Smartphone Apps - The integration of companion smartphone apps with robotic toys allows for interactive gameplay experiences and opens up possibilities for disruptive innovation in the mobile app development industry.
Industry Implications
1. Connected-toy Manufacturing - The connected-toy manufacturing industry has the potential to leverage the development of smartphone-controlled robots like the Ollie to revolutionize the way children interact with toys and technology.
2. Gaming - The gaming industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by incorporating precision gyroscopic control technology from robotic toys into virtual skateboarding games, creating a more immersive and realistic gaming experience.
3. Mobile App Development - The integration of companion smartphone apps with robotic toys presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the mobile app development industry to create engaging and interactive gaming experiences across different platforms.