Electromagnet-based rolling robot

A substantially spherical rolling device comprising:

• a transparent substantially spherical shell;
• a plurality of electromagnets distributed over, and mounted to, the inside surface of the spherical shell;
• a controller mounted to the inside of the spherical shell and operatively coupled to each of the electromagnets;
• an inertial measurement unit mounted to the inside of the spherical shell and operatively coupled to the controller;
• at least one sensor configured to sense a characteristic of an atmosphere outside of the spherical shell;
• and
• wherein the structure contains no moving parts and the controller is configured to selectively energize and de-energize individual electromagnets in order to cause the spherical shell to adhere to and roll over a ferrous surface in a desired direction such that propulsion and adhesion are performed solely via the electromagnets.