Cracking the Furby code: The path to evolve an icon - Luke McNeice - NDC London 2025

This talk was recorded at NDC London in London, England. #ndclondon #ndcconferences #developer #softwaredeveloper Attend the next NDC conference near you: https://ndcconferences.com https://ndclondon.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel and learn every day: / @NDC Follow our Social Media! https://www.facebook.com/ndcconferences https://twitter.com/NDC_Conferences https://www.instagram.com/ndc_conferences/ #embedded #iot #machinelearning #3dmodeling #crossplatform #code Remember 1998? The year of Britney Spears, Titanic, and the launch of the Furby—the first interactive robot pet that sparked playground debates and holiday chaos. Fast forward two decades, and we’re diving back into this nostalgic toy, but this time with a modern twist. In this session, we'll explore how today’s creatives and engineers are using the latest embedded programming and electronics tools to unlock the hidden potential of the Furby. Discover how advancements in AI and robotics can breathe new life into these childhood companions, transforming them from simple toys into interactive learning tools. Join me as I share my journey of cracking the Furby code, revealing the software and hardware secrets that made it a beloved toy of the millennium. Expect plenty of interactivity, along with fascinating engineering insights into making small robots work and predict the future of robotic work. You’ll get to see live demos that showcase how integrating machine learning can enhance user interaction and create personalised experiences, paving the way for the future of interactive technology. Whether you're a developer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about the intersection of nostalgia and innovation, this session will inspire you to rethink the possibilities of old tech brought back to life.