TABLE OF CONTENTS
How Sphero is Advancing STEAM Education
Sphero designs programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools that teach problem-solving, computational thinking, and creativity through hands-on learning. By integrating coding, science, music, and the arts, Sphero empowers students and educators to explore technology engagingly. Sphero’s Learning Ecosystem combines STEAM, computer science, and robotics with expert-designed lessons, delivering practical experiences throughout the educational journey and inspiring future creators.
Challenges Before Implementation
Sphero had spent years on a rigid, legacy PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), struggling through dated features and spending way too much time getting the platform to work for a very distributed team. The engineering challenges included incompatible IT systems, software tools, and processes that conflicted with how they wanted to work. Adjustments or updates to the systems required long waits, extra engineering labor, and reduced productivity, all of which cost Sphero money they didn’t need to spend.
“We’re really impressed with Duro’s software and approach. It is clear they are trying to solve problems with the legacy solutions from an actual use point of view.”
Post Implementation Improvements
Sphero onboarded its entire team onto Duro in a matter of days, accelerating adoption and productivity across the organization. By integrating Duro PLM with Altium and SolidWorks, Sphero achieved significant operational improvements:
• Automated eBOM Release Process: Automated release workflows saved 1.5 hours per design iteration, increasing efficiency.
• Streamlined Change Order Process: Robust change order management enabled quick sign-offs with full visibility, essential for a fully remote team.
• Accurate Revision Control: Engineers easily tracked design changes and BOM updates, ensuring consistency across teams.
• Centralized Document of Record: Duro was the single source of truth, providing real-time design data access and enhancing collaboration and productivity.
“The Altium and Duro integration automates the release process, saving an hour and a half of manually transferring eBOMs into our PLM. Duro's robust change order process makes getting changes signed off quickly easy. As a remote company, it’s especially valuable to provide visibility to all groups, showing who signed off on a change and when."
Sphero Growth & Success
By reducing costs across the board and enhancing collaboration, Sphero streamlined its product development process, enhanced workflows, and boosted productivity. After raising $27.8M in funding, the Sphero team was able to innovate, launching award-winning products like the BOLT+, named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024 in Education. TIME also recognized Sphero as one of the World’s Top EdTech Companies, cementing its leadership in STEAM education.
What’s Next for Sphero?
Sphero is expanding its educational platform to empower more educators and students with innovative learning tools. Sphero plans to enhance its product customization options, enabling rapid development of new educational solutions. The company is also focused on strengthening partnerships with schools and educational institutions worldwide, driving the adoption of STEAM-based learning.
