Introduction: SpheroMini Maze

By denverlibrary.org/idealab
About: ideaLAB is the name of the Denver Public Library's free all-ages makerspaces. We have labs at 6 libraries around the city of Denver - Central, Hadley, Hampden, Montbello, Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales, an…

The SpheroMini is a mini sized robo ball that is app enabled via smartphone or tablet. I was playing Marble Maze on my smartphone and had a cool idea for making a physical version with the SpheroMini.

Step 1: Supplies

I found an empty xerox paper box and grabbed,

  • X-Acto Knife
  • Cutting Mat
  • Pencil
  • Hot Glue Gun
  • Ruler
  • Quarter ($0.25)
  • Cardboard from the box

I started by tracing out the diameter of the SpheroMini shell to make a stencil for measuring the width of the paths for the maze. If you have access to a 3D printer that makes a better stencil. Or you could just use half of the SpheroMini's shell. I just like to make stuff.
For the traps, I found that a quarter was the perfect diameter to make the traps with.

Step 2: Start Cutting

With a ruler start measuring 1/4inch strips of cardboard and carefully start cutting some long strips.

Next, fire up the hot glue gun and proceed to create your maze.

Step 3: Designing Your Maze

Using the quarter, trace out circles for your traps where needed. Use your stencil to create the width of the path to navigate through your maze..

Step 4: Completing the Maze

Now that you've finished your maze, take it for a spin.

Step 5: Play and Have FUN!!!

Use Sphero EDU to program the SpheroMini to navigate the maze. Or just use the app for it's gyroscopic sensor to have that virtual maze experience.