Sphero, a toy manufacturer known for making simple, programmable robots for kids, has launched a new spinoff business to develop AI and robotics for law enforcement, first responders, and other government agencies. The new entity is called Company Six (CO6) and will build on technology Sphero had previously developed through its Public Safety Division. The company hasn't announced any clients or new projects, but promises to focus on'lightweight, yet highly advanced robotic solution that provides critical awareness for those we depend on the most, including police, fire, EMT, military, and others with dangerous jobs.' Sphero's Paul Berberian, who previously served in the US Air Force, will step down from his role as CEO and take a new title as Chairman of both companies, according to a report in CNet. 'This is an opportunity to continue to bring revolutionary robotics technology to new markets to improve the lives of more people, our future leaders, and people with essential and sometimes dangerous job functions,' he said in a prepared statement. Sphero says the company has sold more than four million robots since it was founded in 2010.

Sphero, the company behind robotic toys like the BB-8 robot and educational robotics kits, announced today that it's spinning its public safety division into a new company, dubbed Company Six. It plans to commercialize robots and AI software for first responders, government, defense and "those who work in dangerous situations." While Sphero didn't say that Company Six will make robots for police, it sounds like the new company could be headed in that direction. "Our team is excited to build critically-needed robotic hardware and advanced software solutions that help first responders and people with dangerous jobs," said Company Six CEO Jim Booth, formerly Sphero's COO. Sphero has brought four million robots to market, including programmable tank robots, and it's experience in mobility could come in handy.

Welcome to TechCrunch's 2019 Holiday Gift Guide! Need help with gift ideas? We'll be rolling out gift guides from now through the end of December, so check back regularly. We've refreshed our annual STEM toy gift guide with the latest wares clamoring to entice and inspire kids with coding tricks and electronic wizardry. But lean in to this market and you'll find a number of STEM toy makers have winked out of existence since this time last year, or else been folded into others' empires. Such as littleBits selling to Sphero this fall, or Root Robotics being picked up by robot vac giant iRobot in June.

Sphero knows how to make STEM programming fun, and the company's latest robotics kits are no exception. Kids can find their STEM inspiration through sports using the new soccer-themed robotic kit, which contains a mini robotic ball that looks just like a soccer ball. Sphero also is releasing a comprehensive mini kit with a variety of miniatures that kids can use to create obstacle courses, games, and more. With price tags under $100, these two robotic kits are bound to be a hit among kids and parents alike. Sphero's second mini kit, Sphero Mini soccer, is inspired by the sport of soccer.

Last week, Anki, creator of adorable robots that are part toy, part virtual assistant and part pet, went out of business. "It is with a heavy heart to inform you that Anki has ceased product development and we are no longer manufacturing robots," the company said in a statement, which promised to help owners keep enjoying their little mechanical pals for as long as possible. Why did Anki – a company that had attracted a huge amount of funding and interest in its earlier days – find itself so strapped for cash that it had to pull the plug? Vector's expressions were designed by a professional character artist (Image credit: Anki) Robot vacuum cleaners are one thing – we might feel a little affection towards them, but they're very utilitarian. When it comes to robots for fun and companionship, we're much more hesitant.

Last week, Anki, creator of adorable robots that are part toy, part virtual assistant and part pet, went out of business. "It is with a heavy heart to inform you that Anki has ceased product development and we are no longer manufacturing robots," the company said in a statement, which promised to help owners keep enjoying their little mechanical pals for as long as possible. Why did Anki – a company that had attracted a huge amount of funding and interest in its earlier days – find itself so strapped for cash that it had to pull the plug? Vector's expressions were designed by a professional character artist (Image credit: Anki) Robot vacuum cleaners are one thing – we might feel a little affection towards them, but they're very utilitarian. When it comes to robots for fun and companionship, we're much more hesitant.

In this episode, Audrow Nash speaks with Ian Bernstein, Founder and Head of Product at Misty Robotics, about a robotics platform designed for developers called Misty II. Ian Bernstein is Founder and Head of Product at Misty Robotics, a spin-off company from Sphero, Inc. focused on building personal robots for the home and office. In this role, Bernstein leads Misty Robotics' product development and design. Prior to Misty Robotics, Bernstein served as Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Sphero, Inc. that has shipped more than 3 million robots to date. Bernstein joined TechStars in 2010 with Sphero co-founder Adam Wilson and created Sphero, the original app-enabled robotic ball.

Sphero is introducing a new robot today on Kickstarter. Called RVR, which can either be pronounced just like it's spelled or like "rover," the robot is a development platform designed to be a bridge between educational robots like Sphero and more sophisticated and expensive platforms like Misty. It's mostly affordable, very expandable, and comes from a company with a lot of experience making robots. For a US $199 Kickstarter pledge, this looks like a very solid little robot, carefully thought-out and designed to be rugged and durable. It comes with an ambient light sensor, RGB color sensor, 9-axis IMU, IR sensors, magnetic encoders for the wheels, and a bunch of LEDs.

Sphero's been amusing us with its collection of robotic balls, like its adorable BB-8, for eight years. But lately the company has been getting away from the toy aspect of its products and embracing its educational potential. It's had an app that can be used to program many of its current bots for a while now, but that's only for budding coders -- what do kids interested in hardware have to tinker with? Indeed, Sphero is about to release its first robot specifically made to be physically modded, called the RVR. RVR -- that's pronounced "Rover" -- is a big change for Sphero.

Say goodbye to Sphero's cute BB-8 robot. In fact, say goodbye to all the company's licensed products, including R2-D2, BB-9E and Cars' Lighting McQueen. According to The Verge, Sphero plans to sell its remaining inventory of licensed toys, but it will no longer manufacture more once it runs out. Indeed, the products' listings on Sphero's website says "This is a legacy product and no longer in production." Sphero chief Paul Berberian explained that while the toys sold well when their tie-in movies were released, fewer and fewer people purchased them as the years went by. "When you launch a toy, your first year's your biggest. Your second year's way smaller, and your third year gets really tiny," he said.