Sphero Robotic Ball - Light and Gryo-based Gyro Smart Home Controller

Hello!

It is a bit niche, but I was wondering if it is possible to add integration of the Sphero Robotic Ball into Home Assistant. Spheros are spherical robots that can be controlled via Bluetooth connected apps. However, they have a few functions that would be interesting in a smart home setting:

  • They can display millions of colors, allowing it to serve as a visual notification device
  • They have gyrosensors and accelerometers, making them a possible physical controller for things such as changing colors, volume, or dimmers. Or imagine shaking one to turn on the lights.
  • They can also roll around, apparently.

With a Raspberry Pi’s bluetooth connectivity, I was wondering if this might be something that could eventually be implemented, and give new life to people who have Spheros laying around with no other purpose.

Here is the Sphero API:

http://sdk.sphero.com/api-reference/api-packet-format/

Example Python Sphero Github

There apparently are also library support for Sphero in Robot Operating System (ROS), which can also run on the Raspberry Pi, so it should work at least on a technical level. They are a bit more complicated than a normal smart lightbulb or switches, but can potentially be much more versatile - compare them to the Xiaomi Magic Cube for a similar gyro-controlled smart home controller device.

What do you think of this?

Best,
David

No replies… what a shame

Maybe join forces with this guy