VIRGINIA BEACH — Tennis ball-sized robots have arrived at Virginia Beach public libraries.
Sphero robots can program lights, sounds and movements once they’re connected through a free mobile app. According to the company’s website, the robots are “designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and invention through connected play and coding.”
Additionally, the robots help cultivate problem-solving and critical thinking skills, a city news release says.
Last year, the city says the Sphero robots were used in an afterschool program at Green Run High School — resulting in Virginia Beach winning a Virginia Public Libary Directors Association award for most innovative outreach.
The robots are the third entry into the library’s “take-home tech” program. Previously, Roku video streaming devices and Fisher Price Code-a-pillar toys were available.
To take out any tech items, a free library card is required. Items can be kept for up to 21 days.
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