Sphero 2.0 is quietly gaining traction in the library. The motorized robot, nicknamed “Sparty-Sphero,” first appeared in February. It is a product from Sphero, a company that aims to change the way students play and interact with robotics.

“The first thing people want to know is, ‘What is that?’” librarian Lynn Maitz said, “and the second thing they ask is, ‘What does it do?’”

The robot is controlled by a large volume of apps for both Apple and Android devices. It can be programmed to navigate obstacles or mazes, and there are games on the app store designed to interact with Sphero.

“[We hope] that next year we are able to tie the Sphero with some of the literature classes,” Maitz said, “and  be able to use him in lessons in some of the English department.”

Maitz said the plan is to order about five or six Spheros in total, for use in small groups.

“I think having [the students] collaborate in a group is a lot more fun,” Maitz said, “and they could build projects together.”