The creators of Sphero, the first robotic ball gaming system, will be coming to the PNW this July for their first annual Sphero Hack Tour 2012. After a successful launch earlier this year, the team is already welcoming third party development for their robot. Seattle will be the third stop on the nationwide tour, and they’ve already seen some impressive apps developed. The best part? Over 12K will be awarded to the best third party hacks.

But wait, what’s Sphero? Sphero is the first the first robotic ball gaming system that you control with a tilt, touch, or swing from your smartphone or tablet. You can even use Sphero as a controller for on-screen gameplay. Sphero delivers a unique mixed-reality experience with single and multi-player apps that let you engage in the virtual world and play in the real one. It’s the ball evolved. And it’s ready for you to get hacking!

Winnings span from a free Sphero to the grand prize – a whopping $5,000 in two categories!

In each city, the festivities kick off on Friday evening with a party. Happy hour meets gaming as the Orbotix team introduces you to Sphero. Saturday morning, you started with the SDK. Then the floor opens to the developers, and the hacking gets cracking! Two weeks later, the best apps are chosen and the winners announced.

Like robots, and know your way around an SDK? Sign up now! The Seattle stop is scheduled for July 13, and the location will be in downtown Seattle.

Find our more about Sphero Seattle!