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Adam Wilson: A Ph.D.'s Journey to Robotic Revolution

Sphero's journey into the Star Wars galaxy began with a recognition of the need to infuse their robotics-powered toys with character and personality. This realization set the stage for a serendipitous meeting with Disney CEO Bob Iger in July 2014, during which the seeds of collaboration were sown.

Adam Wilson: A Ph.D.'s Journey to Robotic Revolution

Adam Wilson is the CEO of Stealth Tech Co.

BY SME Business Review

Embarking on a quest to revolutionize the world of robotics, Adam Wilson's trajectory took a profound turn from the halls of academia to the forefront of technological innovation. What began as a pursuit of a Ph.D. morphed into a mission to reshape the landscape of play and learning through the lens of robotics. It was a fortunate encounter with a clunky, oversized robotic controller that ignited the spark of inspiration for Wilson and his co-founder, Ian Bernstein. In a moment of epiphany, they envisioned a world where fun and functionality converged—a vision that would ultimately give birth to the iconic Sphero, a robotic ball controlled effortlessly from your smartphone.

But their journey was not without its challenges. Recognizing their weaknesses on the business side, Wilson and Bernstein embarked on a quest to monetize their creation, leveraging their strengths in product development to forge a path forward. Their perseverance bore fruit as a quick, albeit crude, prototype garnered 60,000 views on YouTube in a single day—a testament to the product's potential. As Sphero gained momentum, sales soared, with over 250,000 products sold and a novel ability to track usage online. Accessories like robotic ball covers offered additional revenue streams, further solidifying Sphero's position as more than just a product, but a transformative experience complete with a narrated story.

Behind the scenes, a team of brilliant engineers worked tirelessly to perfect the complex secret sauce that made Sphero a marvel of engineering. Yet, its applications extended beyond mere amusement, finding a place in over 100 schools teaching geometry and science applications, empowering students to explore and create. Leveraging platforms like TechStars, Wilson and his co-founder forged connections with VC luminaries like Brad Feld, propelling Sphero into the limelight. Their agile approach to hardware innovation, coupled with strategic partnerships and meaningful relationship building, propelled Sphero to unprecedented heights. As the future of technology unfolds, Wilson envisions a world where hardware and software seamlessly intertwine, paving the way for new possibilities. With each innovation, Sphero continues to defy expectations, offering a glimpse into a future where imagination knows no bounds.

Adam Wilson's path is a tribute to the strength of tenacity, imagination, and unflinching vision in the field of technology. The world is excitedly awaiting the next chapter in his incredible story, as he and his crew never stop pushing the envelope of what's possible.

Unleashing the Future: Adam Wilson's Odyssey with Sphero

When the annals of the technological revolution are written, the saga of Adam Wilson and Ian Bernstein, the dynamic duo behind Orbotix, now Sphero, will undoubtedly command a chapter of its own. Theirs is a narrative steeped in a shared passion for robotics and an unwavering commitment to innovation.

Picture this: a fateful encounter over pints at a local brewpub, where Wilson and Bernstein, both avid enthusiasts of robotics, found themselves kindred spirits, united by a common vision—to craft something extraordinary. Fueled by their mutual zeal, they wasted no time. The very next day saw the birth of their brainchild—an idea that would soon transcend the boundaries of conventional play.

Their crowning achievement, Sphero, is a spherical marvel that is no bigger than a tennis ball yet is bursting at the seams with possibilities. Sphero was the pinnacle of inventiveness, a perfect marriage of cutting-edge technology and limitless creativity, and it was controlled by a smartphone. However, its modest beginnings conceal the extent of its influence.

With approximately $7 million in funding, Orbotix, under Wilson's astute leadership, transformed their vision into reality. From the rudimentary prototype, pieced together with 3D-printed shells and salvaged smartphone components, emerged a phenomenon that would captivate hearts and minds worldwide. Sphero's allure transcended mere amusement; it was a gateway to a world where innovation knew no bounds.

Yet, it was not just the product that captured imaginations—it was the promise it held. Investors, including luminaries like Brad Feld of Foundry Group and Mark Solon of Highway 12 Ventures, recognized the disruptive potential of Sphero. What began as a whimsical toy soon morphed into a platform for creativity and exploration—a canvas upon which dreams were painted in vibrant hues.

But every great endeavor requires a steady hand at the helm, and for Orbotix, that hand came in the form of Paul Berberian. Wilson and Bernstein, both seasoned engineers, recognized the need for a leader with a keen business acumen to steer their ship into uncharted waters. Berberian's arrival marked a new chapter in Sphero's evolution, heralding a rebranding that underscored their ambition and vision.

Under Wilson's visionary stewardship, Sphero ventured forth into uncharted territory, propelled by a belief that the future belonged to those bold enough to seize it. From the depths of Sharky, their latest innovation that seamlessly merged the physical and virtual realms, to their foray into the gaming industry's lucrative terrain, Wilson and his team dared to dream big.

Today, as Sphero continues to redefine the boundaries of play and learning, Adam Wilson stands as a testament to the power of imagination and perseverance. His journey with Sphero is not just a tale of technological innovation—it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of human endeavor. And as the world looks to the future, one thing is certain—wherever innovation leads, Adam Wilson and Sphero will be at the forefront, charting the course for generations to come.

The Birth of a Droid: Adam Wilson and Sphero's Star Wars Adventure

Within the Star Wars fandom, aspirations to possess a droid partner similar to R2-D2 or C-3PO were formerly limited to cinematic media. But now that BB-8, the newest character in the Star Wars galaxy, has arrived, those fantasies are no longer just fiction. Adam Wilson, the chief scientist and co-founder of Boulder, Colorado-based Sphero, has been instrumental in making this cherished droid a reality.

As anticipation for the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens reached a fever pitch, Sphero introduced app-enabled versions of BB-8, making it accessible to fans worldwide. Wilson, a driving force behind Sphero's innovative endeavors, shared insights into the creation of this iconic toy during an appearance on the Knowledge at Wharton radio show.

Sphero's journey into the Star Wars galaxy began with a recognition of the need to infuse their robotics-powered toys with character and personality. This realization set the stage for a serendipitous meeting with Disney CEO Bob Iger in July 2014, during which the seeds of collaboration were sown.

Iger's unveiling of unreleased pictures of BB-8 sparked a wave of inspiration within Wilson and his team. Encouraged by Iger's enthusiasm, Sphero forged a partnership with Disney and Lucasfilm to bring BB-8 to fruition. Disney's investment in Sphero further solidified their alliance, paving the way for the creation of an interactive droid that would capture the hearts of fans worldwide.

BB-8's capabilities are as impressive as they are diverse. Wilson outlined three modes of interaction, each designed to immerse users in the Star Wars experience. From the "drive mode," where users control BB-8's movements with intuitive gestures, to the "patrol mode," where BB-8 autonomously navigates predefined routes, the possibilities are endless. Augmented reality features further enhance the experience, allowing users to project holographic images through their smartphones.

As BB-8 rolled into the market, priced at $149.99 apiece, Wilson emphasized Sphero's commitment to delivering content and experiences that enrich the fan experience. With plans to integrate storytelling elements and exclusive movie content, Sphero envisions BB-8 as more than just a toy — it's a gateway to a galaxy far, far away.

For Adam Wilson and the team at Sphero, the journey with BB-8 is more than a collaboration — it's a testament to the power of imagination and innovation. As fans embrace their own BB-8 companions, Sphero continues to blur the lines between fantasy and reality, inviting enthusiasts of all ages to embark on an unforgettable adventure.

Forging the Future: Adam Wilson's Legacy in Robotics

As the dust settles on the remarkable journey of Adam Wilson and Sphero, one thing becomes abundantly clear: their impact transcends mere innovation — it's a testament to the power of vision, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. From humble beginnings in the halls of academia to the global stage of the technological revolution, Wilson's trajectory serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring leaders and innovators alike. Through Sphero, he has not only reshaped the landscape of play and learning but has also ignited a spark of imagination in the hearts of millions. As the world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in robotics, one thing is certain: wherever innovation leads, Adam Wilson's legacy will endure, shaping the future of technology for generations to come.

Adam Wilson | CEO of Stealth Tech Co.

Adam Wilson is a visionary leader at the forefront of technological innovation, currently serving as CEO of a Stealth Tech Co., where he continues to push the boundaries of what's possible. With a background in robotics and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Wilson's journey has been defined by a commitment to reshaping the future of technology. From co-founding Sphero and revolutionizing the world of play and learning to forging strategic partnerships with industry luminaries, Wilson's impact transcends mere innovation — it's a testament to the power of imagination and perseverance. As he charts a course into uncharted territory, Wilson's legacy as a pioneer in the realm of technology is poised to endure, shaping the landscape of innovation for generations to come.

Under Wilson's visionary stewardship, Sphero ventured forth into uncharted territory, propelled by a belief that the future belonged to those bold enough to seize it.