Robotics company Orbotix has introduced a new robot called Ollie as a successor to its original creation Sphero.
The Ollie can travel twice as fast as its predecessor and gives users more control over it than previous robots, according to TechCrunch.
Orbotix's tubular robot is capable of performing a variety of tricks, such as jumping or spinning up onto its side. Users can control the robot with their smartphone while they practice moves.
The Ollie was introduced at this year's CES conference as the Sphero 2B and was created to solve several issues that came with the Sphero, such as wireless charging and connecting to devices through Bluetooth, The Next Web reported. Connecting to smartphones was made easier with Ollie, as the robot uses Bluetooth LE and comes with wired charging.
Users can activate the robot much more quickly than they can with the Sphero and can do so by opening the app and tapping their phone while it is connected to the Ollie.
One feature that the Ollie does share with the Sphero is built-in LED lights for communicating with the user, TechCrunch reported. The robot can change colors when certain actions are performed, such as red when it stops.
Besides being easier to control and faster than Sphero (with a top speed of 15 miles per hour), the Ollie can be bought with jump ramps and other customizable accessories.
Orbotix plans to release the Ollie with support from four apps, The Next Web reported. The company is also looking to make a new line of accessories available in stores this holiday season.
The Ollie comes with a range of 30 meters and a battery that Orbotix says will last for almost an hour on a single charge, TechCrunch reported.
Orbotix fans can pre-order the Ollie now for $99, and shipping for the robot begins on Sept. 15.
